A performer demonstrates the Sichuanese art of face-changing in celebration of the Lantern Festival in Huishan Ancient Town. It is said that face-changing first appeared in Sichuan Opera during the reign of Emperor Qianlong (1736-1795) during the Qing Dynasty (1644-1912). Each face reflects the character's mood, and different colors of Chinese opera facial make-up represent different emotions. [Photo provided by Huishan Ancient Town] |
The Lantern Festival, which is usually on the 15th day of the first lunar month, falls on March 2 this year. It is one of China's traditional festivals, and is commonly celebrated by holding lantern fairs and solving lantern riddles.
Wuxi in East China's Jiangsu province preserved historical tradition and held a wide variety of activities.