As people across China celebrate the Spring Festival, visitors are flocking to destinations where glowing lanterns and colorful folk parades fill the air with festive cheer, immersing holidaymakers in traditional cultural experiences.
In central China's Henan Province, Baligou Scenic Area, located at the southern foot of Taihang Mountain, has become a hub of festive activities, drawing large crowds of visitors.
A spectacular array of traditional performances was staged in the scenic area, including a parade with fish-shaped lanterns, lion dances, and the magical face-changing in Sichuan Opera, a century-old Chinese intangible cultural heritage.
As night fell, the valley was illuminated by a dazzling light show, with a unique intangible cultural heritage performance highlighting the celebration.
Yaofa Puppetry, also known as Firework Puppetry, combines traditional Chinese fireworks with puppetry, creating a breathtaking spectacle in which puppets dance in the night sky amid cascading sparks and flames.
"I haven't seen this show anywhere else. It's very creative," said Che Shanshan, a visitor.
"Originally, gunpowder was used to spin the puppets. It was performed mainly during festivals for people to pray for blessings and the safety of their families," said Lou Yu, person in charge of the Yaofa Puppetry show.
In east China's Fujian Province, residents were celebrating the Spring Festival with a unique dragon dance, lighting up the village of Jihui with the centuries-old tradition.
The glowing dragon, stretching about 100 meters, was made of connected wooden planks, each fitted with two delicate lanterns. The fiery red dragon wound its way through the village lanes, with the villagers carrying the planks together.
The spectacle attracted numerous tourists, enjoying the charm of the Chinese New Year.
The Spring Festival, or the Chinese New Year, which fell on Feb 17 this year, is the most important traditional holiday for the Chinese people.
Traditional folk activities held across China to celebrate Spring Festival
