Dazzling lanterns adorn Yangzhou

As the Lantern Festival is just around the corner, Yangzhou city in Jiangsu province is decorated with various artistic lanterns of different shapes, adding a lot of festive atmosphere to the city.

Lantern Festival, which falls on the 15th day of the first lunar month, or March 2 this year, is one of the most important traditional festivals in China. It is celebrated with traditions like lantern shows, guessing lantern-riddles and temple fairs. 

Traditional Yangzhou handmade lanterns have been highly reputed in China since ancient times. Originating back in Sui Dynasty (581-618), Yangzhou festive lantern has been added to the Jiangsu provincial list of intangible cultural heritages since 2007.

Wandering the city's streets and lanes, visitors can get up-close views of an array of festive lanterns with creative designs.

A visitor poses for a photo with the giant lantern Doraemon (a popular Japanese cartoon character) at the Hongqiaofang Square in Yangzhou, Jiangsu province. [Photo/yznews.com.cn]

A corner of Huaduhui Eco-park is decorated with festive lanterns blending modern lighting technology and effects in Yangzhou, Jiangsu province. [Photo/yznews.com.cn]