Of all the places with festive atmosphere in Ningbo this Spring Festival, Cicheng ancient town undeniably stands out.
With the moon rising above the willow branches and the fair bustling with lanterns as bright as daylight, the 2024 Cicheng Lantern Fair – themed Divine Creatures of Ancient China Celebrate Spring at Ancient Town – took the spotlight in this year's Spring Festival gala among ancient towns.
A fanciful scroll of the Classic of Mountains and Seas – a compilation of mythic geography and beasts – was unfolded against the town's beautiful scenery.
With auspicious beasts Baize and Fuzhu scattering blessings and sending good fortune to the crowd, the spectacle leapt into festivities like the mythical Kunpeng prancing with grandeur.
The exquisite lanterns took up to 40 days to craft by 100 artisans from Zigong, Sichuan Province, who brought their hometown's millennium-old traditions to Cicheng.
Zigong is known as the "lantern city of the south" and its lanterns have been recognized as a national intangible cultural heritage of China.
The encounter between the millennium-old ancient town and the millennium-old beautiful lanterns sparked stunning brilliance.
The divine beasts from the Classic of Mountains and Seas transcend the boundaries of time and space. They gathered joyfully at the Congma River of Cicheng to welcome the Chinese Lunar New Year together with everyone.
A giant dragon lantern decorates the gate of Cicheng Ancient Town. (Photos provided to People's Daily)
A bustling and hustling atmosphere prevailed in Cicheng. Not far from the Congma River, Minquan Road was also buzzing with activities.
With themes like "abundance of blessings," "guarding wealth," "creative face-changing dragon dance," "carousel lanterns" and "candied hawthorn procession," the folk parades and street performances created immersive scenes for visitors to experience the ambiance of traditional Chinese Lunar New Year.
Across from the Minquan Road stage, the Ancient Town Commerce Center was transformed by China Central Television's award-winning magician Dong Liang.
Each opening of a mysterious box in his performance was an exploration of the unknown, letting you discover joy in randomness and expectation, and experience a wonderful artistic journey.
The lion dance performance draws a large crowd of spectators.
Riding the festive wave of the Chinese Lunar New Year, Zhou Xinfang Theater Arts Museum offered unique theatrical experiences characteristic of ancient towns.
Interactive traditional opera performances, riddles with small Easter eggs, costume changes… All such events allowed visitors to experience the charm of traditional Chinese culture amidst the ongoing festivity.
The Cicheng Shanhaiqing Cooperative Intangible Cultural Heritage Museum brought the intangible cultural heritage of the Daliang Mountains in Sichuan Province.
Yi ethnic minority friends came from afar and joined everyone in singing and dancing, experiencing Yi intangible cultural heritage such as lacquerware decoration techniques, lacquer boxes, beads, gourds and dragon lanterns.
Catching the tail end of the Spring Festival, you can also visit the Cicheng Happiness Garden to reminisce about New Year's taste, experiencing an authentic Chinese New Year and Cicheng New Year, awakening the warmest memories deep within your heart.
The traditional puppet show.
"Upon learning that Cicheng is holding a lantern festival, I decided to bring my family here," said a resident surnamed Yang. “I didn't expect the whole town to be so lively. It really brings back the taste of new year in my childhood.”
A tourist surnamed Liu from Jiangxi Province agreed.
"Taking the opportunity of visiting relatives in Ningbo, I brought my family to Cicheng for sightseeing," he said. "The various cultural activities have evoked a sense of nostalgia for childhood pleasures.
"Additionally, the beautiful scenery and delicious food of Cicheng have allowed visitors to experience special local cultures, which are both traditional and fashionable," Liu told the reporter.
"It is a refreshing experience."
The lantern fair runs until March 22.
(Source: Ningbo Evening News)