Loads of lanterns are hung in Hainan as Lantern Festival comes closer. [Photo by Zhang Mao/Hainan Daily]
Watching lantern shows and eating sweet dumplings have long been Chinese Lantern Festival traditions. However, Hainan province in South China will celebrate the day on March 2 this year with some special customs.
Exchanging flowers
Young men and women in Hainan exchange flowers on Lantern Festival to express their love. [Photo by Huang Yibing/provided to chinadaily.com.cn]
The Qiongshan district will be the liveliest area in Haikou on Lantern Festival because locals will celebrate the Fucheng Flower-Exchanging Festival on the fifteenth day of the first lunar month.
A girl wears a mask to add festive atmosphere to the Fucheng Flower-Exchanging Festival. [Photo by Huang Yibing/provided to chinadaily.com.cn]
The festival developed from the custom of exchanging joss sticks and candles as a way to deliver best wishes and promote relationships between relatives and friends. Gradually, it also becomes a way to express love between young men and women. Festival parades, lion dances, lantern riddle guessing and Qiong Opera performances also add to the festive atmosphere.
Overview
Haikou 
Sanya 
