Longyou, located in the southwestern part of Zhejiang Province, is a great place to visit if you’re interested in traditional Chinese culture and history. Aside from its beautiful natural attractions, Longyou is also famous for its festive celebrations during the annual Lantern Festival, which marks the end of the traditional Chinese New Year celebration.
One of the most exciting aspects of the Longyou Lantern Festival is the Dragon Dance, a traditional dance performed by a group of dancers disguised as a dragon. The dance is believed to bring good luck and fortune to the community, ward off evil spirits, and usher in a new year filled with abundance and prosperity. The dragon is made up of a long and flexible body, a brightly colored head adorned with glitter and jewels, and a series of poles that help to move the dragon in a serpentine motion.
The Lantern Festival, also known as Shangyuan Festival, is celebrated on the 15th day of the first lunar month, which falls in February or early March. Historically, the festival marked the end of the New Year celebration and marked the beginning of a new season of farming, fishing, and other livelihoods. Today, the Lantern Festival is a time for family reunions, spending time with loved ones, and enjoying traditional Chinese foods and activities.
During the Lantern Festival, the streets and houses are decorated with colorful lanterns of all shapes and sizes, with each lantern representing different wishes and hopes for the new year. Locals also enjoy eating yuanxiao, a sweet glutinous rice ball filled with sesame or peanuts. The round shape of the yuanxiao symbolizes family reunion and the circle of life, while the sweet filling symbolizes a sweet and harmonious life.
Longyou is a great destination in Zhejiang Province to experience the beauty and excitement of traditional Chinese culture and history. During the Lantern Festival celebrations, you can witness the amazing Dragon Dance, participate in traditional activities, and enjoy the festive atmosphere of the city. Come see for yourself why Longyou is becoming a top tourist destination in China!
