Video: Nanyue Fire Lantern Festival

The Fire Lantern Festival is a traditional event in the Nanyue district, Hengyang, Hunan province that has a one-thousand-year history. In traditional Chinese culture, Nanyue (southern peak), one of the Five Sacred Mountains, is hailed as the birthplace of fire culture and the dwelling place of Zhu Rong (the god of fire in ancient Chinese legend).

Held annually on the 14th day of the first lunar month, the Fire Lantern Festival originates in the tradition of "passing the lantern to pray for blessings". On this night, senior monks and Daoist priests, accompanied by the "Three Deities of Fortune, Prosperity, and Longevity", carry the "Holy Fire of Zhu Rong" through the streets of Nanyue Ancient Town, lighting lotus lanterns for thousands of households to spread light and happiness.

The temple fair parade follows a designated route, winding through the ancient town like a giant dragon. The spectacular event draws massive crowds. (Video by the Convergence Media Center of Nanyue District)