Guangzhou's Sanyuanli village hosted a grand Lantern Festival celebration that has been carried on for over 600 years on Feb 15.

Over 50 lion dance teams from more than 20 brother villages across Guangdong, Hubei, and Guangxi gathered to celebrate the festive occasion through a lion dance parade, drawing the attention of thousands of residents and tourists who stopped to watch.

Lantern Festival celebration in Sanyuanli village. [Photo/WeChat account: gz_baiyunfabu]

Around 8:30 am, colorfully decorated lion dancers gathered at the entrance archway of Sanyuanli village, awaiting the arrival of visiting lion dance teams from various regions. At the sound of a command, the rhythmic beat of drums filled the air as the first team approached. In a show of mutual respect, the host and guest lions saluted one another. One by one, more teams arrived, each adding to the energetic and festive atmosphere, turning the scene into a dazzling celebration of tradition and unity.

The lion dance parade set off from the entrance archway of Sanyuanli village. It proceeded along Kangying Street, visiting each of the village's ancient temples in turn to bless the clans. Spectators reached out to touch the lion heads and bodies from time to time, seeking good luck.