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China’s Lantern Festival in Pictures: Celebrating Light and Joy

Lantern Festival at Wuhan Happy Valley
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China’s Lantern Festival in Pictures: Celebrating Light and Joy

From dragon and lion dances to colourful lanterns and folk rituals, see how communities celebrate the Lantern Festival across the country.

The Lantern Festival lights up China on the 15th day of the first lunar month. Dragon dances, lion dances, and colourful lanterns bring families and communities together. Here are some highlights from 2026.

Mizhi Lantern Festival, Yunnan
On March 3rd, tens of thousands gathered in Mizhi Town, Midu County, Yunnan, for the Lantern Festival. Dragon and lion dances, drums, and firecrackers filled the streets. Pictured: A 4-year-old dressed as a clam joins the festival with family. （All photos courtesy of CNS）
Dragon and Lion Dance, Kunming
Dragon and lion dance teams performed at Haigeng Dam, Kunming. Energetic moves and acrobatics lit up the lakeside, welcoming the New Year. Pictured: A lion dance on plum blossom poles showcases the city’s festive spirit.
Lanterns in Quanzhou Ancient City
Over 2,000 lanterns, including paper-cut, embroidered, and wire-frame designs, illuminated Quanzhou Ancient City. Visitors strolled through streets filled with colour and light.
Huian Women’s Lantern Parade
In Huian County, nearly a thousand local women wore traditional costumes and carried colourful lanterns in a festive parade.
“Zou Gushi” Festival, Longyan
In Luofang Township, Fujian, children dressed as ancient characters were carried on wooden frames through the village. This “Zou Gushi” carnival honours ancestors who migrated from Central China.
Taiyuan Hengyicheng “Old Rat Hole”
In Taiyuan, Shanxi, locals lined up to buy traditional sweet dumplings (yuanxiao) at Hengyicheng’s Old Rat Hole Lantern shop. The dumplings are soft, sweet, and a beloved local tradition.
Dragon King Parade, Liuzhou, Guangxi
On March 3rd, the Dragon King Parade returned in Liuzhou, Guangxi. Processions carried a Dragon King statue through landmarks such as Qingyun Market and Wuxing Pedestrian Street, with performances along the way. Visitors enjoyed an immersive experience of dragon culture while celebrating the festival.

If you like this article, why not read: Chinese New Year Events in London 2026

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