People in Beijing, Tianjin, Chongqing and other cities and rural areas held many activities February 19 to celebrate the traditional Lantern Festival, which falls on the 15th of the first lunar month.

Colorful lanterns were hung in parks and major buildings and a sea of red lanterns could be seen along major streets.

Chinese usually eat sweet dumplings made of glutinous rice flour during the Festival. About several million kg of sweet dumplings will be sold in Beijing's markets this year.

Crowds of people in Beijing enjoyed the red lanterns as well as song and dance performances. Drum and dance teams made up of retired people performed in parks.

Beijing TV Station held a special entertainment evening party. A series of performances including folk songs and dance and Chinese operatic performances were staged.

In Chongqing and Tianjin, a variety of colorful lanterns were displayed in the streets and parks. A rich variety of programs including lantern-riddle games, lion dances, a children's choir, singing and a lucky draw, fortune telling and a pop concert were held in rural areas and urban districts.