Today is the Chinese traditional Lantern Festival, which falls on the 15th day of the first month in the Chinese lunar calendar. During the Lantern Festival, people often go out at night carrying paper lanterns, often in the shape of animals, and solve riddles. It officially ends the Spring Festival celebrations.  A performer acting as a Qing Dynasty emperor (C) parades on Qianmen Avenue in Beijing on Tuesday. A carnival began on the avenue Tuesday, including a lantern show, dragon dances and Beijing opera performances, to celebrate the Lantern Festival. | 