Communities across China embraced ancient traditions this week as they celebrated the Lantern Festival, the vibrant finale to Lunar New Year festivities. Falling on February 12, the event marks the 15th day of the first lunar month and symbolizes unity, hope, and the transition from winter to spring.
From Beijingās intricate dragon dances to Shanghaiās neon-lit lantern displays, cities blended modern creativity with centuries-old customs. In rural areas, residents crafted handmade paper lanterns and shared sweet rice dumplings (tangyuan), a festival staple representing family togetherness. Tech-savvy millennials in Shenzhen even organized augmented reality scavenger hunts featuring digital lanterns, merging tradition with innovation.
āThe festival connects us to our roots while inspiring new ways to celebrate,ā said Hangzhou resident Li Wei, 28, as he admired a 10-meter-tall LED lantern shaped like the Rabbit Zodiac. Environmental initiatives also took center stage, with biodegradable lanterns replacing traditional fire-prone designs in cities like Chengdu.
Beyond its cultural significance, the festival highlights Chinaās growing emphasis on sustainable celebrations, with 65% of urban events this year incorporating eco-friendly materials, according to local reports. As lanterns illuminated skies nationwide, the festivities underscored a shared cultural identity resonating with young global audiences exploring heritage-driven experiences.
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Traditional activities held across China to celebrate Lantern Festival
cgtn.com
