One of China's most celebrated festivals, the Lantern Festival, takes place every year on the 15th day of the first lunar month and this year it falls on Feb.5. With it just around the corner, cities across China are preparing to party.

In Shenzhen, south China's Guangdong Province, traditional dragon dances are a roadside attraction. 2004 is the Year of the Monkey, and lanterns featuring monkeys are everywhere.

In Nanjing, east China's Jiangsu Province, festival lanterns are selling fast. Elaborate lanterns, some decorated with golden leaves, go for high prices. This monkey lantern is sure to appeal to children.

In Shanxi, monkeys are out in force, even climbing an oversized ear of corn. And the Monkey King has made a detour from his journey to the west.

Renowned for being "the city of lanterns", Zibo City in east China's Shandong Province uses more sophisticated technology to bring folklore to life.

Further northward to the city of Shenyang in Liaoning Province, a long line of parade floats snake across the roads. While the flashing coconut trees draw the eye, traditional red lanterns are reminiscent of old days fondly remembered.

The last stop is Pingding County of North China's Shanxi Province, where lanterns made from paper cuts are the result of traditional craftsmanship meeting modern technology.

(CCTV.com February 5, 2004)