Visitors pose for a photo in front of a large-scale lantern at Xingqing Palace Park in Xi'an. [Photo/Xi'an Daily]

The "Huadeng Yaoxingqing" lantern festival was unveiled on Jan 16 at Xingqing Palace Park in Xi'an. The park is now lit with a stunning array of colorful lanterns, adding a vibrant touch to the city's festivities ahead of the upcoming Chinese New Year.

The event combines traditional lantern displays with a cultural creative market. It offers activities such as Spring Festival couplet writing, ancient archery, crossbow shooting, 3D-printed souvenirs, and intangible cultural heritage (ICH) performances like sugar blowing and sugar painting, which provide an immersive experience that fills the air with holiday cheer.

A stall showcases 3D-printed souvenirs. [Photo/Xi'an Daily]

As night fell, the lantern festival dazzled visitors with the ancient craft of Datiehua, or "strike iron flower". Molten iron is cast into the air, and golden sparks cascade like a waterfall of fireworks, resembling falling stars. This breathtaking spectacle mesmerizes the crowd and highlights traditional craftsmanship's charm, showcasing this ICH's radiant beauty.

This fusion of tradition and innovation offers a unique way to celebrate the new year, bringing a sense of wonder to all.

Visitors walk along a path decorated with red lanterns. [Photo/Xi'an Daily]