00:00This is Dihua Street, one of the most historic and hottest shopping districts in Taipei to
00:06get you Lunar New Year essentials.
00:08All of the people around me are not only here to stock up for the holiday, but to get a
00:12feel of the festive energy that takes over the street every year.
00:16Regulars and first-time visitors from Taiwan and all over the world come to Dihua Street.
00:21Some are checking out the local delicacies, while others are just here for the spectacle.
00:26My mom is Taiwanese, so she has always told us that Dihua Street is like the place to be during
00:33the New Year's.
00:34Do you want to buy something?
00:37No.
00:38Do you buy?
00:39Far生糖 and...
00:40The milk.
00:42I have bought some, like, actually, in the year.
00:46Must be
00:50We buy some, maybe you can buy, maybe you can buy some things from
00:57We actually bought a bunch of biscuits as well for New Year's.
01:01I mean, the Chinese New Year is obviously very, very important around here.
01:06It's not so much at home, so it's nice to be in an area where it's more important.
01:11I mean, obviously, we have Christmas. This is effectively your Christmas.
01:15Some of the long-running vendors here have been preparing for this two-week festival all year,
01:19like this calligraphy artist who writes customized New Year wishes on spring couplets,
01:24traditional rest strips of paper hung around the house for good fortune.
01:45Other vendors say they're patrons of each other's businesses.
02:04In this annual festival that runs the two weeks before Lunar New Year,
02:08both cars and smokers are barred from entering the main street.
02:12Smokers now must light up outside a restricted area.
02:15Some shoppers say the ban has proven to be effective.
02:19I've seen the ban on the other side and the other side.
02:24But now, I haven't seen it.
02:26I just saw the ban on the door. It's a good rule.
02:33It's the second year in a row that authorities have banned smoking during the annual event,
02:40part of Taipei City Government's trial for a potential citywide ban by the end of the year.
02:45As families and friends get ready for the holiday with this final shopping push,
02:49authorities are also urging people to prioritize public safety and health
02:53so that everyone can start a new year on a good note.
02:56And Li Xiu and Nairing Lin in Taipei for Taiwan Plus.
02:59Thank you very much.
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