In April, the Dai people in Xishuangbanna, Yunnan welcome their annual New Year festival according to the calendar of the Dai ethnic group. While the water-splashing festivities are widely known, the rigion also hosts a variety of vibrant folk activities, one of which is the release of Kongming lanterns inscribed with blessings. On the Sunday evening, crowds gathered by the Lancang River in Xishuangbanna to release the lanterns. Under the night sky, countless lanterns slowly ascended, blending harmoniously with the brillant starry river.