Amusement parks, historic streets, and ethnic villages across China are celebrating the Spring Festival with dazzling lantern displays, traditional performances, folk markets, and cultural experiences, drawing visitors eager to immerse themselves in the festive spirit.
At Beijing's Shijingshan Amusement Park, stunning molten iron fireworks took center stage, where molten iron was hurled into the air, bursting into a cascade of glowing sparks.
"It bursts like fireworks, blooming like a flower," a child remarked while watching the display.
"I wanted to make the most of the Chinese New Year and soak in the festive atmosphere in Beijing. The holiday spirit is so much stronger here - it feels completely different from my hometown. The lanterns are stunning, truly artistic," said Ms. Li, another visitor.
The park's lantern fair also featured elaborate installations, including the "Splendid Lantern Corridor" and "Auspicious Serpent," creating a mesmerizing nighttime spectacle.
Visitors were also treated to drum and lion dance performances, artistic parades, and over 50 amusement rides, including a Ferris wheel and space coaster, adding to the holiday excitement.
In Lanzhou, provincial capital of northwest China's Gansu Province, the old street was bustling with Shehuo folk performances, dragon and lion dances, and a vibrant creative market, attracting both locals and tourists.
The newly opened Living Intangible Cultural Heritage Experience Center invited visitors to try their hand at traditional crafts like paper-cutting, egg carving, and cloisonné enamelwork, bringing them closer to China's rich heritage.
The museum's highlight is a 16-meter-long micro-carving of Along the River During the Qingming Festival, sculpted from white yak horn over 25 years. Featuring over 1,400 meticulously carved figures, bridges, boats, and animals, the artwork showcases extraordinary craftsmanship.
Throughout the festival, interactive workshops in egg carving, clay sculpting, and embroidery offer children a hands-on cultural experience.
As night falls, Lanzhou transformed into a glowing spectacle, with lantern-lit pavilions, bridges, and tree-lined streets, creating picturesque backdrops for visitors. Across the city, folk performances and traditional festivities immersed residents in the region's rich cultural heritage.
Meanwhile, in south China's Guangdong province, a lively fishing competition held on Friday in Zhangxi She Ethnic Village of Heyuan city marked the New Year celebrations.
To the beat of drums and the dance of a lucky lion, locals and tourists waded into the water, casting nets in a race to catch the heaviest and the largest number of fish.
"I think this is my fourth or fifth visit," said Huang Lisheng, a tourist from Shenzhen. "The atmosphere keeps getting livelier, and traditional celebrations like the Fishing Festival are a big hit among visitors."
Beyond the competition, visitors savored She ethnic cuisine, took part in traditional sports, and explored the region’s rich cultural heritage, making the celebration a blend of festivity, tradition, and local charm.
This year, the Spring Festival, or Chinese New Year's Day, fell on Jan. 29. It is marked by a two-week-long celebration when people reunite with their families, savor delicious foods, and enjoy a range of festive activities.
Festive lanterns, folk traditions, and ethnic celebrations highlight Spring Festival
Festive lanterns, folk traditions, and ethnic celebrations highlight Spring Festival
