Monday, the fifteenth day of the first lunar month, is China's traditional Lantern Festival. And the festive atmosphere is building across the country, with lanterns and firecrackers lighting up the night skies. Let's drop in on some of the many night-time wonderlands.

Lanterns light up the night across China

Yi Yuan garden, in a suburb of Shanghai, mixes the beauty of lanterns with the exquisite style of Chinese gardens.

Dragon dances bring a carnival air to the venue, sending auspicious blessings to the crowds.

Over in nearby villages, lanterns are released into the river -- a time-honored tradition that's believed will carry their good wishes faraway.

Firecrackers are the norm in China, but here in rural Zibo, in Shandong province, some slightly different sparks are flying.

Spinning streaks of molten iron through the air is a spectacular tradition in the region, attracting tourists from far and wide.

In China's Northeast city of Shenyang, in Liaoning province, some equally spectacular - if somewhat colder entertainment is on offer.

The ice lanterns always provide a fun night out for residents of the frozen north.

A resident of Shenyang city said, "The crystal-like ice lanterns are the most beautiful. "

To add even more fun for the merrimakers, there's a "Man Chu sedan parade" - an age old wedding tradition in the region - all helping to keep the Lantern Festival spirits flowing.

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