East China's Hangzhou reignited tradition with a breathtaking fireworks display on February 5, celebrating the Lantern Festival — the vibrant finale to the Chinese New Year season. Thousands gathered along the Qiantang River to witness the 20-minute spectacle, the first of its scale since 2013, symbolizing renewal and cultural pride.
A Bridge Between Past and Future
This year’s show merged ancient symbolism with modern tech, featuring AI-designed patterns and eco-friendly pyrotechnics. Local organizers noted a 40% increase in livestream viewers globally compared to pre-pandemic celebrations, reflecting how digital platforms are amplifying cultural traditions among young, connected audiences.
Why It Matters
The Lantern Festival, rooted in 2,000-year-old Han Dynasty customs, now doubles as a soft power showcase. “Events like this help Gen Z rediscover heritage through shareable moments,” said Li Wei, a cultural studies scholar at Zhejiang University. Meanwhile, Hangzhou — a tech hub hosting the 2023 Asian Games — used drone light shows to promote sustainable celebrations, cutting particulate emissions by 35% versus traditional fireworks.
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Fireworks show in East China's Hangzhou lights up Lantern Festival
cgtn.com
