Drummers performing during the celebrations.

More than 3,000 folk artists gave performances on Feb 6 to celebrate the Chinese traditional Lantern Festival in Zhoucun, Shandong province.

Folk performances included the lion dance, Yangko dance, dragon lantern dance and acrobatic stilt walking. The performers created a lively carnival atmosphere and sent blessings to the crowds. Marking the end of the Chinese Lunar New Year holiday season, the festival takes place annually on the 15th day of the Chinese lunar calendar.

The Lantern Festival is held to mark the first full moon of the new lunar year. Chinese people usually celebrate by hanging lanterns, watching folk performances and eating sweetened rice dumplings.