Festive activities in Wuxi to celebrate Lantern Festival

Kunqu Opera A Surprising Dream from the Peony Pavilion is performed in Jichang Garden in Xihui Park. Peony Pavilion is a romantic tragicomedy written by dramatist Tang Xianzu in 1598. It depicts the love story between Du Liniang and Liu Mengmei, in which the two protagonists overcome all obstacles, transcending time, space, life and death, until they can finally be together. [Photo/wxrb.com]

Huishan Ancient Town is decorated with millions of colorful lanterns during the Lantern Festival. The picture on each lantern has a special meaning, such as praying for safety, good luck, or a long life, as well as expressing gratitude. [Photo/wxrb.com]

A performer demonstrates the Sichuanese art of face-changing in celebration of the Lantern Festival in Huishan Ancient Town. It is said that face-changing first appeared in Sichuan Opera during the reign of Emperor Qianlong (1736-1795) during the Qing Dynasty (1644-1912). Each face reflects the character's mood, and different colors of Chinese opera facial make-up represent different emotions. [Photo provided by Huishan Ancient Town]