Lion dances and lantern displays have illuminated Spring Festival celebrations across China, lifting festive spirits and drawing crowds while boosting domestic tourism.
The Spring Festival, which falls on Feb. 17 or Tuesday this year, marks the start of the Chinese New Year. This year ushers in the Year of the Horse, the seventh of the 12 animals in the Chinese zodiac.
In Zhanjiang City, south China's Guangdong Province, a series of folk activities have been launched to mark the holiday. Among the highlights, a vibrant lion dance bursting with color has energized the festive atmosphere and left spectators with an unforgettable experience.
The Guangdong Lion Dance, also known as Xingshi, is a cultural treasure that combines martial arts, dance and music. Originating in Guangdong, it is performed during festivals and major celebrations to bring good luck, ward off evil spirits, and symbolize strength, courage and prosperity.
Meanwhile in Sanya City, south China's Hainan Province, lanterns have been lit to welcome the Year of the Horse as the island embraces full Spring Festival mode. Lanterns, a centuries-old tradition across China, symbolize family, prosperity and hopes for a bright new year.
Crowds also gathered for one of the most spectacular attractions, the molten iron fireworks show, where artisans heat iron until molten and hurl it into the air, creating showers of sparks. Once a ritual to pray for safety and good harvests, the tradition has become a crowd favorite during the holiday season.
Lion dance, lanterns brighten China's Spring Festival celebrations
