The 9th Xiepu Dongzhi Cultural Festival opens on Dec 22 in Xiepu town, Zhenhai district, Ningbo, East China's Zhejiang province. [Photo/zj.zjol.com] 

The 9th Xiepu Dongzhi Cultural Festival opened on Dec 22 in Xiepu town, Zhenhai district, Ningbo, East China's Zhejiang province. 

Dongzhi, or winter solstice, is one of China’s most significant 24 solar terms. It falls on Dec 21, 22 or 23 every year.

"The annual Xiepu Dongzhi Cultural Festival has become an important local custom since it was initiated in 2010. It helps promote local culture, enrich local residents' lives and display the achievements of the town in all respects," said a person in charge of the festival.

This year's festival combined local performances with lantern shows to present the rural development of the town's Shiqifang village. 

Lanterns were of various styles, and performances included the lion dance, dragon dance and drum playing. 

The lantern show will last until Jan 2, 2019, between 18:00 to 20:00 each day. 

The town has been committed to its rural development in recent years, and has focused on combining rural construction with preserving local folk cultures.

Many local residents and tourists watch the lantern shows at the festival. [Photo/zj.zjol.com]