The Laba Festival falls on Jan 26 this year, marking the eighth day of the 12th month on the traditional Chinese calendar.

As a proverb says: "After Laba, Spring Festival is around the corner." This day is a moment to bid farewell to the past and welcome the coming spring.

With roots in ancient traditions, Laba was once a day to honor ancestors, pray for abundance, and seek blessings for the year ahead.

And at the heart of it all is a warm bowl of Laba congee. As it gently simmers, the rising steam carries hopes, comfort, and the feeling that spring is on its way.

So, what makes an authentic bowl of Laba congee? There is no single answer. Across China, the dish takes on different forms, shaped by regional tastes and ingredients.

In Shanghai, the congee comes in two styles: "refined" and "rustic". The refined version blends glutinous rice with brown sugar, dried fruits, and beans, while the rustic one mixes rice with vegetables, tofu, and root crops for a heartier bite.

The classic Beijing-style congee is sweet and rich, cooked with grains like rice and glutinous rice, various beans, and dried fruits such as red dates and longans. In northern Shaanxi province, it turns salty and savory, enriched with beans, dried fruits, tofu, and meat. Head to Sichuan, and you may even find a spicy version, seasoned with chili and loaded with peanuts, diced meat, and radish.

Beyond congee, the festival inspires other culinary traditions. In northern China, families pickle garlic in vinegar on this day. By Chinese New Year's Eve, the cloves turn a vivid emerald green, becoming a classic companion to dumplings. In the south, some make Laba tofu, sun-drying seasoned tofu until the salt seeps deep inside, creating a savory treat that tastes like home.

After Laba, the festive spirit grows stronger. Families gather around the table, sharing congee and conversation, finding comfort in the winter chill, and looking forward to the reunion and joy of Spring Festival.

Sources: WeChat account of the publicity department of the CPC Huangpu district committee at "shhuangpu", Xinhua, People's Daily