A lantern fair is held in the underground dwellings in Shanzhou district of Sanmenxia city, Central China’s Henan province. [Photo by Shi Baoyin/China Daily]

A lantern fair to celebrate the upcoming Spring Festival was held in the underground dwellings in Shanzhou district of Sanmenxia city, Central China’s Henan province, on Monday evening.

More than 150 kinds of lantern displays were put on in a total area covering 500 mu (33.3 hectares), bringing a visual feast to the public.

Traditional Chinese-style elements, such as dragon and swan, were highlighted at the fair. One of the highlights was a 21.8-metre-high lantern, the highest at the fair. It was shaped like a dog, with the animal holding embroidered balls, marking the upcoming Year of the Dog.

As the unique residence in the mountainous areas of western Henan, Shanzhou’s underground courtyard was listed as one of the national intangible cultural heritage in 2011.

Originating from the cave culture, the underground dwellings were recognized as a live fossil in the history of dwellings.