Bench dragon parade, dance mark Spring Festival in China's Jiangsu, Jiangxi

China

Bench dragon parade, dance mark Spring Festival in China's Jiangsu, Jiangxi

2026-02-19 19:29 Last Updated At：20:57

Dazzling bench dragons have wound their way through the streets in eastern Chinese provinces of Jiangsu and Jiangxi, as part of a centuries-old tradition to celebrate the Chinese New Year, or the Spring Festival.

In many parts of China, people traditionally decorate scores of benches with dragon-shaped lanterns and link them together for parade and dance, to wish for a bountiful year ahead.

Recently, a 40-meter-long bench dragon has rambled the streets of Zhuxi Ancient Town in east China's Jiangsu Province, wowing crowds of visitors.

"I came here with my friends today specifically to see the bench dragon parade. Seeing the 40-meter-long bench dragon winding through the alley was truly amazing. This immersive folk experience is so interesting," said Li Yuqi, a tourist.

In Xihu Lijia Village in east China's Jiangxi Province, a 600-meter-long bench dragon, carried by more than 300 villagers, began a parade at 19:00 on Wednesday, lighting up the night sky.

After the parade, villagers performed a bench dragon dance while fireworks exploded in the sky behind them, stunning viewers.

"When the dragon lantern dance performed, the whole street was filled with joy and the atmosphere was very festive. I feel the unique charm of traditional folk customs," said Wu Wenqiu, another tourist.

A similar bench dragon parade was held in a scenic spot in Jiangxi Province on Wednesday night.

Carried by 45 young men, the 60-meter-long dragon has 38 sections, each with a 1.5-meter-long wooden bench adorned with colorful lanterns.

Previously lit by candlelight, it now uses rechargeable LED lights, which are both safer and brighter, making it even more spectacular at night.

The Spring Festival is the most important holiday in China, and is traditionally celebrated with family reunion feasts, festive delicacies and wishes of good luck for the year ahead. Chinese New Year's Day marked the start of the Year of the Horse -- the seventh of the 12 zodiac animals in the Chinese zodiac.

Chinese New Year celebrated in South Africa's Cape Town

The Chinese New Year, or the Spring Festival, was marked in Cape Town, South Africa's legislative capital, where the city's Chinese and local communities came together for a day of festivities at the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront, one of Cape Town's landmarks.

As part of the celebration, the local and Chinese communities showcased their talents in arts and crafts at a day-long market. The festivities featured a range of activities, including fan-making, Chinese character calligraphy, and traditional food, offering visitors a vibrant taste of Spring Festival traditions.

One of the highlights of the celebration was a lively quiz competition, where members of the local communities tested their skills by speaking simple Mandarin phrases and answering challenging questions about Chinese culture. Winners walked away with prizes, adding an interactive edge to the festivities.

"So what we're trying to do is we're trying to bring the real atmosphere of celebration of the Chinese New Year to the people of Cape Town, and even to a large extent, to the people of South Africa. Gradually, more and more people fall in love with Chinese culture. [This is] especially also [evident] at different universities, where you see students start learning Chinese, speak Mandarin, and they learn to write in Chinese, especially Chinese calligraphy," said Dong Gang, director of the Cape Town Huaxing Arts Troupe.

"This year marks our fourth year. We have been holding the Cape Town Chinese New Year event for four years. Many friends in China say that the Cape Town Chinese New Year event is more festive than events back home. We think we've done a really good job. So we're very happy to celebrate the Chinese New Year in Cape Town," said Wu Zhimin, a member of the Cape Town Huaxing Arts Troupe.

The event reflects the growing cultural exchange between the two countries, according to the organizer.