The Qiantang lantern show in the Dengxinxiang community of Hangzhou, capital of Zhejiang province draws numerous visitors on Feb 17. [Photo/zjol.com.cn]

Thousands of lanterns spruced up at the Dengxinxiang community of Hangzhou, capital of Zhejiang province in celebration of the upcoming Lantern Festival, which falls on Feb 19 this year.

Having originated in the Song Dynasty (960-1127), the Qiantang lantern show is among the intangible cultural heritages of Hangzhou. The Dengxinxiang community, the birthplace of the time-honored show, has since been an attractive scenic spot in Hangzhou during the Lantern Festival. Visitors are entertained with dragon and lion dances, assorted displays of lanterns, lantern riddles and cultural performances.

The Lantern Festival, which is usually on the 15th day of the first lunar month, falls on Feb 19 this year. It is one of China's traditional festivals, and is commonly celebrated by holding lantern fairs and solving lantern riddles.