Soaring dragons, majestic lions and classic dramas were staged during the recent Spring Festival, allowing the people of Hailing district – in Taizhou city, in East China's Jiangsu province – to really feel the atmosphere and charms of traditional festivals, in terms of their folklore and customs.
Locals enjoy a traditional opera. [Photo provided by Hailing district of Taizhou]
Watching Chinese operas is an old tradition in Taizhou to celebrate the Chinese New Year.
"It's been a long time since I watched an opera and I have watched several during this Spring Festival. It's enjoyable and pleasant," said a local fan.
People gather closely to eagerly watch a dragon dance show. [Photo provided by Hailing district of Taizhou]
At the Old Street square, a folk dragon dance team got a rise from the audience. Amid the sounds of gongs and drums, the team showed the lion's joy, anger, sorrow and happiness through various actions – and presented the lion's majesty and strength with their dynamic performance.
Near Wanghai Tower, ancient music with elegant meaning and haunting beauty could be heard. Taizhou's ancient music is known to be listed as an intangible cultural heritage in the province.