SUMMARY

• Dozens of bamboo rafts formed a glowing 600-metre Golden Dragon on the Yulong River in Yangshuo.
• Fireworks, a blazing phoenix and the surrounding karst landscape turned the festival display into a major night spectacle.
• The Golden Dragon began as a village event about 12 years ago and has since become a signature Yangshuo attraction.

China: A 600-metre Golden Dragon transformed China’s Yulong River into a glowing spectacle during a Mid-Autumn Festival celebration on Friday, drawing crowds to Yangshuo’s famous karst landscape.

Dozens of bamboo rafts moved across the dark river before joining together to create the illuminated dragon. As it travelled through the water, fireworks burst above the surrounding scenery, adding another layer to the already dramatic nighttime display.

A Dragon Meets A Phoenix

The illuminated procession later moved around a blazing phoenix before passing beneath a bridge, while spectators gathered along the riverbanks to watch and capture the moment on their phones.

For visitors, the spectacle was particularly memorable.

Di, who travelled to Yangshuo with friends, said the experience exceeded what he had seen online.

“I took many wonderful photos here, and the scenery was absolutely breathtaking. I truly feel that the trip was worth it,” he said.

He added that the meeting between the dragon and phoenix was the moment that moved him most, while wishing others a happy Mid-Autumn Festival filled with family reunions and happiness.

Another visitor, Ma Weisi, said social media played a role in bringing her to Yangshuo.

“This inspired my friends and me to visit. After ...