People across China celebrated the traditional Lantern Festival, which fell on Feb 12 this year, with dazzling light displays, folk performances, and traditional festivities.
In Zunyi City in southwest China's Guizhou Province, a grand lantern festival thrilled visitors with a stunning array of themed light installations. The vibrant display featured lifelike dragon lanterns and adorable cartoon-style snake lanterns, immersing spectators in a dazzling visual experience.
The festivities also included a breathtaking fireworks show, a molten iron fireworks display, and a Huohu (fire pot) performance, drawing large crowds to celebrate the festival together.
In Huzhu Tu Autonomous County in northwest China's Qinghai Province, thousands of handcrafted lanterns illuminated the Tu ethnic culture park. Over 1,200 colorful lanterns lined the main pathway, connecting different themed exhibition areas.
One highlight was the lantern display featuring Tu ethnic costume, which combined traditional attire with lantern artistry, showcasing the unique cultural heritage of the Tu people.
"Watching lanterns during the Lantern Festival is a cherished tradition in Chinese culture. I brought my family here today, and we are delighted to see so many stunning lanterns," said Zhang Zhiping, visitor.
Beyond the lantern displays, the park also featured captivating folk performances, including a molten iron fireworks display, a fireworks show, and a martial arts demonstration, further enriching the nighttime experience for visitors.
In Yanchi County, in northwest China's Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, locals and visitors participated in an old traditional cultural event called the Jiuqu Yellow River Lantern Array.
The lantern array was divided into nine sections symbolizing fortune, prosperity, longevity, happiness, luck, auspiciousness, peace, health, and harmony. Visitors walked a 2.4-kilometer path through the glowing array, ringing bells to wish for a smooth and prosperous year ahead.
Villagers in Langxi County in Xuancheng City in eastern Anhui Province celebrated the festival by performing traditional dragon and fish lantern dances. Accompanied by the rhythmic beats of drums and the crackling of firecrackers, a golden dragon gracefully weaved through the streets, while fish-shaped lanterns, such as carp and goldfish, danced alongside it. Crowds gathered to capture images of the vibrant performances on their phones, filling the town with festive energy.
The iconic Jingcun Dragon Lantern, also known as the "Taiping (peace) Lantern," boasts a history dating back over 500 years. The dragon is carefully crafted with 13 segments, and the elaborate dragon dance involves nearly 100 performers.
"The fish lantern symbolizes abundance and good fortune. By performing the dragon and fish lantern dances, we share the beauty of Chinese traditional culture with everyone up close," said Zong Zihang, a young performer.
Lanterns, light installations illuminated across China to celebrate Lantern Festival
