Cities and villages across China are brimming with festive cheer as people are celebrating the Year of the Snake with a diverse array of folk traditions and modern entertainments.
In the eastern coastal city of Rudong, Jiangsu Province, a grand folk culture parade and breathtaking firework display have captivated the crowds.
On Friday, the third day of the Chinese New Year, the streets of Rudong were turned into a living gallery of intangible cultural heritage. Over 1,200 performers brought to life centuries-old folk dances and drum performance, wowing the crowd with their rhythmic beats and dynamic movements.
As night fell, the sky above was ablaze with a myriad of brilliant colors, as dazzling fireworks cast a magical glow over the beach.
Meanwhile, in Fujian Province, the villagers of Bizhou in Longyan County staged a spectacular dragon lantern parade, a tradition with over 800 years of history. The giant dragon, formed of lanterns adorned with vivid floral and animal designs, weaved its way through the village streets as a prayer for happiness and prosperity in the new year.
The Bizhou Lantern Festival, which traces its roots to the Song Dynasty (960-1279), is not only a cultural celebration but a beacon of the village's heritage, drawing an increasing number of visitors each year.
"Watchin the Bizhou lanterns up close, I found them truly exquisite and stunning. The lively atmosphere of Chinese New Year celebrations here in Liancheng has also been infectious. This trip is definitely worth it," said Liu Yuqian, a tourist from Anhui Province.
Celebrations don't stop there. In Beijing, temple fairs and dragon dances have turned many public places into vibrant hubs of entertainment, while in Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, the "Silk Road Paradise" offers visitors a chance to immerse themselves in cultural performances, amusement rides, and interactive experiences that showcase the richness of the ancient Silk Road.
Meanwhile, in Tianjin, the municipal museum is hosting a special exhibition highlighting snake-themed artifacts and artworks, offering visitors an intriguing glimpse into the symbolic significance of the creature in Chinese aesthetics.
"This year's Spring Festival came right after the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage listing. I think it's even more meaningful to visit the museum and learn about snake culture at such a special time," said Zheng Li, a visitor.
In Fujian's Quanzhou City, the atmosphere is equally electric with thrilling parades and fireworks at the All Love Park resort, where visitors can not only marvel at adorable ocean creatures such as belugas and penguins but also enjoy spectacular visual shows.
The Chinese New Year, also known as the Spring Festival, fell on Jan. 29 this year. It is marked by a two-week-long celebration when people reunite with their families, savor delicious foods, and enjoy a range of festive activities.
Chinese people celebrate Year of snake with vibrant cultural festivities
