The qilin dance parade opens at Wenwu Temple in Pingshan District on March 3. Photos from the organizers

The streets of Pingshan came alive on March 3 as the district marked the Lantern Festival with a spectacular qilin dance parade and cultural extravaganza, drawing residents and visitors to enjoy Hakka traditions.

The events opened with a traditional eye-dotting ceremony at Wenwu Temple, bringing the mythical qilin figures to life — a ritual rooted in Hakka heritage that symbolizes awakening and blessings for the year ahead.

Six qilin dance troupes then proceeded through the neighborhood, the “creatures” playfully interacting with onlookers as they moved toward Pingshan Cinema and Theater. Dancers holding traditional Hakka bamboo hats and performers with vibrant ribbons turned ordinary streets into a lively display of cultural expression. 

Qilin dance troupes proceed through old streets.

At the theater, local groups presented original works blending Hakka customs with contemporary art — ranging from folk dances to martial arts — highlighting the district’s grassroots cultural vitality.

Adjacent to the venue, a bustling festive market offered hands-on experiences showcasing intangible cultural heritage: visitors solved lantern riddles, sampled traditional snacks, and tried their hand at folk crafts. “This celebration is a bridge connecting our ancestral wisdom with modern life,” said an organizer. “By bringing traditions into everyday spaces, we ensure they remain living, breathing parts of our community."

Dancers with traditional Hakka bamboo hats.