"Fire God Parade" folk event in Shantou: Thousands of Lantern Lights Illuminate the Ancient Port, Centuries-Old Folklore Prays for Prosperity

Lingnan: Beauty Beyond Borders | On the evening of March 14, Zhanglin Ancient Port in Dongli Town, Chenghai District, Shantou City, buzzed with energy as the grand lantern-lighting ceremony for Zhanglin’s "Fire God Parade" folk event kicked off. Thousands of people carrying lanterns and colorful flags wound along Zhongshan Road, forming a vibrant "fire dragon" that illuminated the ancient port, a millennium-old hub of commerce. Zhanglin Ancient Port, recognized as one of Guangdong’s "Top 10 Cultural and Geographical Coordinates of the Maritime Silk Road," serves as a poignant landmark for overseas Chinese communities yearning to reconnect with their hometown. The "Fire God Parade" ritual, a unique tradition practiced in Zhanglin and surrounding areas for over 200 years, blends ancient customs with communal celebration, symbolizing the enduring spirit of this historic waterway. #SplendidLingnan

3月14日（农历二月十五）晚，汕头市澄海区东里镇樟林古港人潮涌动，锣鼓喧天，樟林“游火帝”民俗系列活动的营灯仪式盛大启幕。人们手持灯笼、彩旗，沿中山路蜿蜒前行，宛如“火龙”点亮千年商埠。澄海东里樟林古港被列为“广东十大海上丝绸之路文化地理坐标”，是海内外侨胞心系家乡的乡愁地标。樟林“游火帝”民俗是流传于澄海区东里镇樟林一带的特色习俗，至今已经有两百多年历史。