Lishan Torch Festival concludes in Chongqing, draws over 100,000 visitors

Archaeological discoveries have uncovered Paleolithic-era human sites in the mountains northeast of Lishan Temple and Lishan Fort, indicating that ancient humans inhabited the area tens of thousands of years ago. Illustrations on Eastern Han Dynasty (25-220) stone sarcophagi reveal that during that period, local people performed dances to pray for bountiful harvests and ward off misfortune. They also lit torches to drive away locusts and protect their crops.

According to local authorities, this year's torch festival featured a kilometer-long grass dragon parade, which aimed for a Guinness World Record, as well as blessing ceremonies, iron flower displays, and bonfire celebrations.