A folk cultural performance -- the Dragon Battle Array -- is held in Zhanjiang's Tongming village on Feb 17 to celebrate the upcoming Lantern Festival. [Photo provided to en.zhanjiang.gov.cn]

A folk performance -- the Long Men Zhen (Dragon Battle Array) -- was held in Zhanjiang's Tongming village on Feb 17 to celebrate the upcoming Lantern Festival.

According to historic records, the Baige Stockade Village navy settled in Tongming village during the Ming and Qing dynasties (1368-1911) and built Guan Yu and the Celestial Queen Mother's Temple. The government troops managed to fight off pirates under the aegis of two gods, and locals have performed sacrificial rites ever since to worship them.

A total of 260 villagers dressed in Qing Dynasty costumes wield firelocks, broadswords, and shields to recreate a historic battle against pirates. [Photo provided to en.zhanjiang.gov.cn]

In the Dragon Battle Array performance, a total of 260 villagers dressed in Qing Dynasty costumes wielded firelocks, broadswords, and shields to recreate the battle.

The folk performance is now held regularly during the Lantern Festival and Spring Festival. The tradition is of great historic and cultural value, said Chen Minghong, curator of the Mazhang District Culture Center.

A dragon dance is performed. [Photo provided to en.zhanjiang.gov.cn]