A variety of traditional festive activities have been held across China in recent days as the Chinese New Year approaches.
The Chinese New Year, or the Spring Festival, which falls on February 17 this year, is the grandest traditional holiday for the Chinese people, when families reunite, take part in various customs, and exchange good wishes for happiness and prosperity in the year ahead.
In Chaozhou, a city in south China's Guangdong Province, intangible cultural heritage performances such as the Chaoshan Yingge dance and local drum displays take the stage in turn, winning enthusiastic applause from the audience.
In Zhangzhou City in the eastern Fujian Province, majestic dragon and lion dances have brought a distinct local festive flair to the celebrations.
In southwest China's Chongqing Municipality, the annual Spring Festival parade is bustling with excitement. A nearly one-kilometer-long procession of about 800 people delivers spectacular performances, including Yangko dancing and waist drum beating.
In Pingxiang City of the eastern province of Jiangxi, 12 parade teams featuring local folk dances wound their way through streets and alleys, filling the city with a joyous and festive holiday atmosphere.
"The parade performs all along the way, with many people following and taking photos. The streets are lined with red lanterns, and the sound of gongs and drums fills the air. It really feels like the Chinese New Year has arrived!" said Yang Xiyuan, a local resident.
In Fuquan City of southwest China's Guizhou Province, hundreds of people gathered around long tables for a feast, sharing traditional celebratory dishes made with freshly prepared pork.
In different parts of Tianjin, Shanghai and Shanxi, brilliant lights and dazzling decorations illuminate buildings and streets, creating a strong festive atmosphere.
"As soon as these lights are turned on, the Chinese New Year atmosphere and the feeling of the festival are created! With the brilliant lights on, we celebrate the Chinese New Year with excitement," said Zhang Juntao, a resident of Taiyuan City in Shanxi Province.
Festive celebrations light up China as Chinese New Year approaches
