A unique parade will be held to celebrate the upcoming traditional Chinese lantern festival on Beijing's Qianmen Street, a commercial thoroughfare in use for over 600 years.

Zhang Wei, a senior official with the Beijing Municipal Bureau of Culture, says the parade will feature a series of floats. It will also include singing, dancing and other cultural activities to showcase the essence of Chinese tradition.

"Qianmen Street has a long history, so we choose it to present traditional Chinese culture. In this parade, viewers will enjoy a variety of cultural performances such as acrobatics and lion dances. We hope the masses can feel the festive atmosphere of the lantern festival."

Zhang Wei adds that besides the parade, organizers will set up a stage to present shadow puppet plays and eight craftsmen will demonstrate their unique skills which are included on the Chinese Intangible Heritage List.

"Their amazing feats are passed down from generation to generation such as jade carving and lacquer engraving. Meanwhile, a picture exhibition will be set up to display Chinese culture."

This year's Lantern Festival falls on Febuary ninth and the parade will be presented for free on the morning of that day.

The Chinese Lantern Festival is held on the 15th day of the first lunar month, and marks the end of the Chinese New Year festivities.

At this time, people will try to solve puzzles painted on the lanterns and eat yuanxiao, a snack made with glutinous rice.

As an important date in the Chinese calendar, it is a time for families and friends to get together to enjoy a festive atmosphere.