Baquan, a village that boasts a long history of silkworm breeding in east China's Zhejiang Province, came alive on Saturday with a vibrant celebration of the upcoming Lantern Festival, featuring a unique "silkworm dragon" parade.

Over 600 villagers participated in the event, parading as each held a silkworm cocoon-shaped lantern. The lanterns, when combined, formed a 1,200-meter-long dragon.

The villagers paraded through the village streets before gathering in a square to form multiple concentric circles, with the dragon swirling around the center in a dazzling field of lanterns under the night sky.

"This event is incredibly lively. With a representative from every household, we're all filled with joy and excitement," said Lu Yueping, a local villager.

The special event is not just a celebration of the region's silkworm farming heritage, but also a symbol of hope for a prosperous year and a bountiful harvest.

Symbolizing family reunion, the Lantern Festival falls on Wednesday this year and wraps up celebrations of the Spring Festival, the most important festival in China.