Guangzhou's Baiyun district held a series of lively cultural events to celebrate the Lantern Festival on March 3, drawing tens of thousands of local residents.

Villagers celebrate the Lantern Festival with a toast at a 1,015-table feast. [Photo/WeChat account: baiyunfabu]

Lianbian village in Helong subdistrict stood out as the main event, featuring a spectacular reunion banquet with 1,015 tables that gathered more than 10,000 people, including about 5,200 villagers. The evening gala featured performances by famous Cantonese Opera and folk art performers.

Shimataohua Park hosted a peach blossom poetry gathering featuring poetry readings, classical dances, and a parade of the intangible cultural heritage item — the Peach Blossom Fire Dragon.

Jiangcun village presented over 20 lion dances and nine dragon dances at Jiang Ancestor Hall Square, with a donation drive to support public welfare and medical assistance.

Lion dancers perform on a wooden bench as onlookers gather to enjoy the Lantern Festival show. [Photo/WeChat account: baiyunfabu]

Various villages across the district also organized reunion banquets, lion dances, and parades. Among them, Dalingling village treated over 800 elderly residents to a special feast, while other villages held banquets ranging from 180 to 250 tables, showcasing local traditions and strong community bonds.