A folk parade featuring over 3,000 performers flooded the streets on Feb 26 in Haidong City, northwest China's Qinghai Province, to welcome the upcoming Lantern Festival, enchanting spectators with dazzling dragon and lion dances and a rich array of traditional local performances.
The Lantern Festival, which will fall on March 3 this year, marks the end of the Chinese New Year, also known as the Spring Festival. The parade included 27 troupes and over 3,000 performers. Accompanied by the rhythmic beat of drum and gong bands, it began with stunning stilt shows that instantly electrified the crowd.
The dragon and lion dances were a highlight, with dragons soaring and leaping through the air, and lions playfully shaking their heads and wagging their tails, drawing waves of cheers from the spectators.
Following behind, troupes holding colorful fans and flower bouquets added vibrancy to the parade, along with the traditional Tu ethnic group's Anzhao dance. Performers engaged warmly with spectators along the route, including some international visitors who were impressed with China's unique cultural charm.
"It's so lively here. We're so lucky to have this chance to experience the festive spirit and the warmth of the Chinese people," said Xenia, a foreign spectator attending the parade.
3,000-strong folk parade celebrates Lantern Festival in China's Qinghai
