Indispensable dishes that served during China's Spring Festival

File photo taken in January, 1997 shows Zhao Yuanyi of Naxi ethnic group drying preserved pork in the sun in Lijiang County, southwest China's Yunnan Province. According to traditional cultural elements and customs, some indispensable dishes carrying symbolic meanings are served during the Spring Festival. They are ceremonious processes and sweet memories for those who live and work away from home. Spring Festival, or better known as Chinese Lunar New Year, is the most important festival for all Chinese, which has a history of more than 4,000 years. It is an occasion for home returning, New Year goods preparing, celebrating, and foremost, family reunion. (Xinhua/Zhou Zhongyao)