Lantern Festival celebrations in SZ

Various events were held in Shenzhen on Saturday to celebrate the Lantern Festival, which falls on the 15th day of the first month of the Chinese lunar calendar. This festival signifies the end of the Chinese New Year festivities and is observed with various customs and traditions.

During the festival, people engage in activities such as eating yuanxiao (glutinous rice balls), solving lantern riddles, and admiring lantern displays. Lanterns, typically made of paper or silk and featuring different shapes and patterns, are a traditional decoration during this festival. Yuanxiao, a type of dumpling made from glutinous rice flour with sweet fillings, is a popular food consumed during this time. Guessing lantern riddles is another enjoyable tradition where riddles are written on lanterns for people to solve.

In addition to these common customs, different regions may also have their own unique traditions. For instance, in Guangdong, the dragon dance and Yingge dance are commonly performed. These customs symbolize people‘’s hopes and wishes for a joyous life.

The celebrations showcased a blend of traditional customs and cultural experiences, attracting both locals and expats to enjoy the festive atmosphere and partake in the various activities.

Spectators watch a Yingge dance performance on Bantian Handmade Cultural Street in Longgang District on Saturday. Liu Xudong

Children before a food stall on Bantian Handmade Cultural Street. Liu Xudong

A traditional performance at Honey Park in Futian District. Photos by Lin Songtao except otherwise stated

Expat children are seen in the Lantern Festival Fair at Minghua Ship Square in Nanshan District. 

People watch a traditional performance outside One Avenue shopping mall in Futian District. 

An expat takes photos during the Lantern Festival Fair at Minghua Ship Square. Lin Jianping

Visitors enjoy a roly-poly performance outside One Avenue shopping mall in Futian District. 

Expats at a festival gala at Shenzhen University. Courtesy of the event organizer

Expats learn to make yuanxiao at Honey Park in Futian District.