A group of expats learn the history of Huishan Ancient Town from a local tour guide on March 3. [Photo by Mao Weijun/provided to chindaily.com.cn]
Viewing colorful lanterns, watching traditional performances and guessing riddles; a group of expats from various countries including Russia, Rwanda and Kazakhstan had a memorable night taking part in Lantern Festival celebrations at the Huishan Ancient Town in Wuxi on March 3.
Lantern Festival, on the 15th day of the first lunar month, marks the official end of Spring Festival. In partnership with Dongfeng Yueda Kia Motor Co Ltd, Huishan Ancient Town put on a variety of exciting activities for visitors from Feb 27 to Mar 4 in celebration of the traditional festival.
The festival decorations and folk performances, such as lion dances and ancient costume shows, attracted many people, who all wanted to experience the atmosphere and lively shows first hand.
People gather at the gate of Huishan Temple to watch the lion dances. [Photo by Fang Luofan/ chinadaily.com.cn]
Huishan Ancient Town welcomed around 20,000 visitors on the night of Lantern Festival, which fell on Mar 2 this year. The performances and celebrations continued into the weekend.
Lizaveta takes a selfie with a friend at Huishan Ancient Town in Wuxi on March 3. [Photo by Mao Weijun/provided to chindaily.com.cn]
"A dear friend of mine just moved to Wuxi and now our new adventures begin. Though it is a little crowded tonight, I enjoyed experiencing the festive atmosphere here", said Lizaveta, who is from Russia.
Expats followed the crowds and watched a Kunqu opera performance and lion dances, which impressed them greatly.
According to Muhanmmad Aamir Shafique Khan, the most thrilling part of the evening was watching the mighty lion dance. "It was really inspiring and the way it was performed was incredible. The balance, steps and pitch of performers were perfect".
Visitors are captured by a Kunqu Opera performance at the Jichang Garden in Huishan Ancient Town on March 3. [Photo by Mao Weijun/provided to chindaily.com.cn]
The expat group also tried guessing lantern riddles on stage and took the opportunity to express their New Year wishes to the Chinese audience. Before leaving the ancient town, they came across the parade performers still in costume, and got the chance to take a photo with them.
Expats attempt the mind-boggling riddles at Huishan Ancient Town on March 3.[Photo by Mao Weijun/provided to chindaily.com.cn]
Expats take photos with the performers acting as the King and Queen of the Qing dynasty in Huishan Ancient Town on March 3.[Photo by Fang Luofan/ chinadaily.com.cn]
