People wearing She ethnic costumes parade down a road in Xiaozhong village on Feb 5. [Photo/Lishui Daily]

A raft of cultural activities featuring ethnic traditions were recently staged in Xiaozhong, a She ethnic village in Suichang county, in East China's Zhejiang province.

They took place during the Lantern Festival, the 15th day of the first month of the Chinese lunar calendar, which fell on Feb 5 this year - and were all the better after local government officials worked hard to ensure the event was successful and boosted the happiness of locals.

A lively lion dance kicked off the celebrations on the day. Traditional sports events with She ethnic features performed by She students - such as jumping among bamboo poles and walking on rolling stones - won bursts of applause from spectators.

Parents and children learned about the origins and customs of the Lantern Festival and tried their hand at making lanterns and dumplings at a parent-child amusement park.

Men and women sit face-to-face and sing folk songs in turns in Xiaozhong village, during the Lantern Festival. [Photo/Lishui Daily]

When night fell, men and women dressed in sumptuous She ethnic costumes were divided into two groups, sitting face to face across a table and taking turns to sing folk songs.

Long and melodious She songs not only present the history and unique culture of the ethnic group, but also help voice people's aspirations for a better life.