Heping district in Shenyang city held an event themed around the traditional Chinese Dragon Head-Raising Festival, in order to showcase the folk culture of the city on March 18, attracting large crowds of tourists and local residents.

The traditional Chinese Dragon Head Raising Festival, or Longtaitou Festival, falls on the second day of the second month in the Chinese lunar calendar every year, which refers to the start of spring and the farming season. This year, the festival falls on March 18.

The event treated visitors to various folk activities. The highlights of the event included a grand dragon dance, a traditional Northeast China yangko dance, and a demonstration of local intangible cultural heritage artwork, featuring a traditional dragon.

The event also gave tourists the chance to experience the traditional customs of the Dragon Head-Raising Festival, such as touching the head of a dragon sculpture and hanging Chinese knots on trees to pray for good luck.

Additionally, a batch of volunteers provided free haircuts for local residents.

It was the third time Heping district has held such an event. The event has played an important role in promoting Shenyang’s traditional folk culture to local residents and tourists.

A grand dragon dance takes place in Heping district, Shenyang to celebrate traditional Chinese Dragon Head Raising Festival on March 18.[Photo/Chinanews.com]

A tourist poses for a photo with a lion dance performer in Heping district, Shenyang on March 18.[Photo/Chinanews.com]

Residents from Heping district give haircuts to the elderly on March18.[Photo/Chinanews.com]