Anchor: People across China have celebrated the Lantern Festival, which falls on the 15th day of the first month in China's lunar year. Traditionally it's an occasion for family reunion and also marks the end of the Chinese New Year festivities. Our reporter Wang Ling has more.

Reporter:
Solving riddles is traditionally a celebratory activity on Lantern Festival. And this year a riddle competition in Shanghai has attracted riddle lovers around the country.

Zhong Huifang won the best female puzzle guesser in the competition.

"My skill in solving riddles is limited, but the happiness that this activity brings about is limitless."

According to the Chinese tradition, eating Yuanxiao, a kind of glutinous rice ball with sweet fillings and appreciating colourful lanterns are also indispensible features of the festival.

In Qingdao many citizens joined a Yuanxiao making competition. Each participant is enjoying the event.

"My family came here together, not only to join the competition but also to celebrate the festival together and wish everyone a peaceful and happy new year."

Besides traditional features, various activities of local character are also taking place around the country to celebrate the festival.

In the southern city of Guiyang, local people from different ethnic backgrounds gathered together, singing folk songs to express their best wishes for the year.

"Our life has been getting more and more prosperous. Today we come to sing together, not only to enjoy this festive mood, but also enrich our life in spare time."

In the coastal city Zhuhai, an annual parade of folk art attracted numerous tourists. Wonderful performances and colourful floats brought the joyous atmosphere to a climax.

The parade features various forms of local folk art, which also opens a window for many foreign friends to know more about Chinese culture.

"It's great to see the culture of China here in Zhuhai. It's awesome and wonderful. I can't wait to see more."

This year's Lantern Festival embarks special significance as the festival came into the list of China's intangible cultural heritage last year.

As the 15th day of the 1st lunar month is the first night to see a full moon, people can also enjoy a beautiful moon. And Monday night's moon is said to be the most brightening and roundest one in half a century.

WL, CRI News.