Intangible cultural heritage water lanterns, the ancient charm of Yue Opera, dragon and lion dances, and prayers amidst the landscape... “Spring River Reflects the Moon” was a lantern fair in Fuyang to celebrate the Lantern Festival.

This year’s Lantern Festival series adopted a multi-venue model linking a main hub with satellite locations, bringing the millennium-old tradition of water lanterns back into the spotlight. It offered an immersive heritage experience and a grand folk celebration. The main event was held at Yangbei Lake Wetland Park, while satellite venues, including Baihe Tan (the hermitage of Huang Gongwang), the Inkstone Pool in Longmen Ancient Town, the moat along Xindeng’s ancient city wall, and the entrance to Tianzhong Mountain Scenic Area, will host water lantern release ceremonies to call for future blessings.

On March 3 (the 15th day of the first lunar month) at 4:00 PM, 200 “Spring River Water Lanterns” were released from the riverside platforms flanking the Yuanshi Bridge at Dadongmen Square in Xindeng Town. Beyond the lantern release in the city moat, Xindeng Old Street prepared a wealth of activities for the day. At 3:00 PM, the Green Dragon from Guantang Village, the Board Dragon from Xianghe Village, and the Bamboo Horse troupe from Xiangxi Village assembled and went for a parade along a set route from Bingxian Street to Xincheng Street, then the West Gate and the Ancient City Wall, and finally Dadongmen.