A string of zodiac dragon-themed festive activities have been held in many parts of China in the run-up to the Lantern Festival at the end of the entire 15-day celebrations of the Chinese New Year holiday, or the Spring Festival, on Feb 24.

Although the official eight-day Spring Festival holiday has ended, the celebrations in China will continue until the Lantern Festival.
In Qinyang City of central China's Henan Province, the locals have staged a traditional dragon dance performance to usher in the Lantern Festival.
"I haven't seen such a wonderful performance for years. It's very impressive, very good," said Lyv Xuemei, a spectator.
The Chinese people usually celebrate the festival by going outdoor to see the world decorated by various lanterns made by folk artists from bamboo, wood, rattan, wheat-straw or whatever materials they can apply.
As the current Chinese New Year, which starts on Feb 10, is a Year of the Dragon, in Yangzhou City of east China's Jiangsu Province, various dragon-themed lanterns have attracted swarms of customers at the markets.
In addition to the dragon-themed lanterns, other types of lanterns which include the lotus-themed ones are also on offer to provide more choices for consumers.