An opera performance takes to the stage at the Lantern Festival celebration in Huzhou. [Photo/WeChat account: huzhoufabu]

The Dongyufang historical and cultural street in Changxing county, Huzhou, Zhejiang province, was shining with lanterns, bustling with people, and pulsating with excitement on the evening of Feb 11 as the Lantern Festival celebration kicked off.

The event opened with an opera performance featuring a mix of classical opera genres like Peking Opera, Yueju Opera, and Huangmei Opera, captivating the audience with a traditional cultural extravaganza.

A light and shadow show transformed the street into an evocative scene awash with color. In addition, a raft of performances, lantern riddle contests, interactive DIY activities, and a bustling market created a lively atmosphere where citizens could dive right in to celebrate Lantern Festival.

Afterward, a parade of over a hundred folks set off from the west side of the street, presenting intangible cultural heritage items like the Lincheng lion dance and Lyushan fish lantern dance, in a scene embodying the very essence of living heritage.

A lion dance entertains onlookers. [Photo/WeChat account: huzhoufabu]