Locals of Hongjiang Ancient Commercial Town performed dragon dances to celebrate the Lantern Festival, which falls on February 12 this year. Dragon dance teams paraded the street to extend New Year greetings to numerous citizens and tourists, who witnessed the vibrant cultural feast filled with folk customs.

Locals and visitors watch the dragon dance staged by performers in the dragon costume. (Photo/Huang Wensheng and Guo Chenghao)

The performance kicked off at 7 pm. The dragon dancers, dressed in traditional costumes, moved the auspicious dragon with grace, at times resembling a mighty dragon emerging from the sea, and at other times like a playful dragon dancing with pearls, showcasing both power and elegance that drew cheers from the audience.

Dragan dance teams assemble at the plaza. (Photo/Huang Wensheng and Guo Chenghao)

People perform dragon dances. (Photo/Huang Wensheng and Guo Chenghao)

Characters from Chinese mythology and folklore, such as the Eight Immortals, Journey to the West, and Legend of the White Snake, made appearances in comic-style costumes, adding rich local flavor and fun to the event.

The parade moved slowly along the Xinmin Road, drawing waves of cheers from the audience. Citizens and tourists crowded lantern-lit streets and immersed in the joyous ambiance.

Dragon dance teams parade the street. (Photo/Huang Wensheng and Guo Chenghao)

Visitor Zhao Kezhong from Guangdong expressed his excitement: “I am very interested in traditional Chinese culture. I specifically came to Hongjiang Ancient Commercial City to celebrate the Lantern Festival, and it was absolutely worth it! These folk performances were amazing, allowing me to feel the strong festive atmosphere of Hongjiang and giving me a deeper understanding of Chinese traditional culture.”

(Translated by Yang Hong)