A 200-meter-long dragon lantern parades on the Wuyi River. [Photo/Jinhua Media Group]

Yechangbu village in Wuyi county, Jinhua, Zhejiang province, was illuminated by a stunning 200-meter-long dragon lantern weaving along the Wuyi River on March 2, its reflection on the river dazzling against the ancient village's reflections, captivating tourists and photography enthusiasts.

The village historically served as a vital waterway for trade between Jinhua and Lishui, with merchant boats and bamboo rafts forming a dragon-like chain along the river. This riverside location and historical significance as a dock have fostered a longstanding tradition of welcoming dragon lanterns on bamboo rafts to pray for favorable weather and prosperity.

Zhang Junyang, the village's Party secretary, introduced that the dragon's construction has been modernized while maintaining its traditional charm, with each section comprising seven PVC pipes, and 32 sections forming the entire body. A welded frame beneath the pipes ensures the structure is lighter, more maneuverable, and safer than traditional bamboo rafts.

This year's water dragon lantern performance will run until March 4, when a 400-meter-long bench dragon will join the performance in the village.