Quzhou, a city steeped in history and culture in Zhejiang province, is currently enveloped in the festive vibes of Lantern Festival, which is celebrated on the 15th day of the first month on the Chinese calendar, falling on March 3 this year.

The highly anticipated musical Nan Kong, or Southern Confucianism, was performed at the Quzhou Poly Grand Theater on March 1, accompanied by the lively Nan Kong Market at the theater's E Hall, offering a unique blend of music and culture to visitors.

The musical Nan Kong draws from Quzhou's rich Confucian culture, bringing a dramatic historical narrative to the stage. It recounts the tale of Kong Zhu (1231–91), the 53rd direct descendant of Confucius, who gave up his noble title and returned to Quzhou to dedicate himself to promoting Confucian culture.

The Nan Kong Market features lion dance performances. [Photo/Tide News]

The performance, marked by dazzling lights and melodious music, captivated audiences with its portrayal of the Confucius family's stories and patriotic sentiments, earning enthusiastic applause.

The Nan Kong Market outside brimmed with lively, festive charm. The market featured an array of stalls showcasing Quzhou's traditional crafts such as painted clay sculptures, porcelain, palm weaving, eggshell carving, and leaf painting. Visitors admired and bought the exquisite crafts, appreciating the unique allure of traditional handiwork.

At 7:00 pm on March 3, a special Lantern Festival performance of Nan Kong is set to captivate audiences again, with the market offering traditional tangyuan, glutinous rice balls.