The lively lantern fair in Gulin town, Haishu district, Ningbo. [Photo/Tide News]

The annual lantern fair lit up Gulin town in Ningbo's Haishu district on the evening of March 3, drawing large crowds of residents and visitors eager to experience the festival.

The highlight of the event was a spectacular 600-meter-long bench dragon, made up of 300 specially crafted bench lanterns linked together. Carried by a long procession, the glowing dragon wound through the town's main streets, creating a magnificent scene that captivated onlookers.

Each section of the bench dragon was carefully handcrafted by volunteers and performers. From building the iron frames to draping them in colorful cloth and assembling the lanterns, every step reflected the craftsmanship and dedication behind this cherished tradition.

In addition to the bench dragon parade, a variety of traditional folk performances took the stage, including rotating lantern displays and lively drum performances, offering a vibrant showcase of local culture.

The Gulin lantern fair is recognized as an intangible cultural heritage of Haishu district. Dating back to the Western Han Dynasty (206 BC-AD 24) and flourishing during the Southern Song Dynasty (1127-1279), the tradition once involved every household crafting colorful paper lanterns. Today, the event is held on Lantern Festival, continuing to illuminate the town with centuries-old customs and festive spirit.

The 600-meter-long bench dragon. [Photo/Tide News]