A special Spring Festival lantern show kicks off in Guangyuan, Sichuan province on Feb 2, 2024, lasting for 23 days. [Photo provided by Guangyuan city]

On Feb 17, the day that marks the eighth day of the Lunar New Year and conclusion of the Spring Festival holiday, the fervor of the 2024 lantern show in Guangyuan, Southwest China's Sichuan province was still felt among local residents and tourists.

According to data, the lantern show drew in a staggering 150,000 visitors during the holiday. The peak attendance was recorded on the seventh day of the Lunar New Year. On that day, the venue welcomed 21,000 visitors.

Besides the locals, tourists from neighboring cities such as Chengdu, Longnan, and Xi'an trooped to the festival to partake in the celebrations.

Guangyuan is the hometown of Empress Wu Zetian of Tang Dynasty (618-907). The event showcased over 50 sets of lanterns with distinctive characteristics of Year of the Dragon and its famous local historical figure Empress Wu.

A local resident surnamed Luo expressed her excitement, saying: "This lantern festival is truly spectacular, akin to stepping into a magical fairy tale realm.” Accordingly, she made a special trip from her hometown in Cangxi county of Guangyuan where she has created unforgettable memories with her family during this Spring Festival holiday.

A tourist surnamed Zhang lauded the charm and transformation of Guangyuan city. She also highlighted the warm hospitality extended by the locals during her visit.

The lantern show will continue until the 15th day of the first lunar month, coinciding with the Lantern Festival.