Away from the stifling skylines and hustle and bustle of urban jungles, there is a place where boats sedately travel beneath ancient bridges and lanterns glow in fabulous colors, presenting a breathtaking scene of serenity and festive joy. /CFP Photo

The Qinhuai Lantern Fair, also known the Jinling Lantern Fair, on Sunday began to greet visitors in Nanjing, east China’s Jiangsu Province ahead of the upcoming Chinese Spring Festival. /CFP Photo

Thousands of lanterns in miscellaneous patterns including animals and flowers had a bewitching effect on the flowing water of the Qinhuai River and turned the surrounding ancient bridges and pavilions into a polychrome fairyland. /CFP Photo

As one of the most popular folk custom celebrations of the Chinese New Year in the Nanjing area, the annual fair with its historical roots tracing back thousands of years was also named an Intangible Cultural Heritage of China in May 2006. /CFP Photo

Lasting for some 20 days until February 14 this year, the event is expected to provide millions of visitors from home and abroad a perfect destination during the Spring and Lantern Festival celebrations. /CFP Photo