Here in China, “Lantern Festival” caps off the Spring Festival holidays after Chinese New Year. Traditionally, people would light paper lanterns to celebrate:
But things have come a long way since the old days. At the shopping mall across the street, there was a big production with a continuous stream of dancing groups (click here to watch Lantern Dancing):
It was a festive atmosphere with busy amusement rides,
lighted balloons,
fireworks outside of our 16th floor window (click here for Lantern Fireworks 1),
fireworks from nearby rooftops (click here for Lantern Fireworks 2):
and fireworks from everywhere in the city!
In fact, the fireworks continued late into the night. It is quite amazing – but then again, so is the air quality as morning dawns…
Amazing how many festivals there are in China… every day looks like an experience. Glad you all are getting a chance to continue to have some wonder around it all despite being there so long.
Dancing Ladies are always looking for an opportunity to perform! Everyday would be a festival if they controlled the calendar…