Across China, cities are alive with a festive atmosphere as colorful and dynamic activities are held adding a modern twist to traditional Spring Festival celebrations.
On Wednesday, the first day of the Chinese New Year, about 500,000 people gathered on the banks of the Gan River in east China's Nanchang City to watch a memorable firework show and drone performance which illuminated the night sky.
Dazzling fireworks exploded above the city's iconic twin skyscrapers, choreographed with the buildings' changing colors. Moments later, 2,660 drones ascended into the sky, forming dynamic images of the Year of the Snake, including the golden snake, red koi fish and a full wallet.
For the audience, the drone performance was a visual symphony of technology and tradition.
"The combination of technology and traditional culture is impressive. It's more than a feast for the eyes, but a kind of creative inheritance of our traditional Spring Festival culture," said Lai Yehui, a visitor.
A firework show named "Brilliant Auspicious Clouds" ran 1,300 meters along the Gan River. The dream-like scroll painting shot 200 meters into the night sky, captivating the crowd.
"I am thrilled. It's very creative to have fireworks, drones, a musical fountain and the river view all in one scene. Gathering together with so many people to watch fireworks gives me a stronger festive spirit. I feel full of energy to embrace the new year. I wish our country to flourish like soaring fireworks," said Zhang Suqi, a visitor.
In northwest China's Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, giant festive lanterns were placed in front of the museum of Guyuan City, adding a splash of color to the festival night. People wandered among lanterns and shot off fireworks, fully enjoying the flavor of the Spring Festival.
Alongside traditionally-shaped lanterns, mountain, flower and snake lanterns were a hit with visitors.
Southwest China also has unique celebrations including a local intangible cultural heritage which was listed last year called the "Thousand-Person Kylin Dance" which was held in the Kylin District of Qujing City in Yunnan Province,.
The Kylin is a mythical creature in Chinese legend, the appearance of which is viewed as a good omen. Kylin District is named after this creature and organizes a Kylin Dance every year during the Spring Festival.
"The Kylin Dance allows young people like me to feel the charm of intangible cultural heritage up close. In the future, we'll find even more modern ways to preserve and promote traditional Spring Festival cultural and intangible cultural heritage," said Yang Beiyi, a performer in the Kylin Dance.
There were also 34 elaborate floats and over 30 performance troupes along the street lined with over 500,000 residents and visitors.
"There are more floats on the street this year. They are also decorated very nicely. As one of the younger generation, I feel even more proud of my hometown Qujing," said Mr Zhang, a resident.
Creative Spring Festival activities held across Chinese cities
