Shaoguan, a city nestled in northern Guangdong Province, lit up for the Lantern Festival on the evening of March 3. A grand intangible cultural heritage parade featuring over 1,000 performers wound through the city's historic heart, offering an immersive experience that blended Hakka traditions with Lingnan lifestyle.
The two-hour procession kicked off at Zhongshan Park, weaving past local landmarks like Fengcai Tower and Dawen Shopping Mall before culminating at Centennial East Street. A massive 99-section dragon stretched over 300 meters and danced through the streets. The colorful attire of the She people (畲族) and the rhythmic traditional dances of the Guoshan Yao people (过山瑶族) showcased the region's diverse ethnic heritage.
A particular crowd favorite was the Xinfeng Paper Horse Dance (新丰纸马舞). Recognized as a municipal-level intangible cultural heritage item, it uses lifelike paper horse props and vigorous choreography to depict the lives of Hakka ancestors. In this Year of the Horse, the dance took on special meaning, symbolizing a spirited start to the new year. Other local shows, such as the Lechang Frog-Like Lion Dance (乐昌青蛙狮) and Cai Family Boxing (蔡家拳), ensured the city's unique identity was on full display.
Beyond the performance, the event functioned as a one-stop Lantern Festival carnival. At the History East Street market, visitors could purchase Shaoguan flavors ranging from local agricultural products to handcrafted cultural souvenirs.
"The immersive experience is incredible," said Mr. Liu, a young visitor attending with friends. "I didn't realize Shaoguan had such a rich variety of heritage and local specialties. Every performance was a highlight."
Author: Dong Han
Photo & Video: Nanfang Plus
