Dragon dance is seen at the Mingsha Mountain and Crescent Spring Scenic Area in Dunhuang, Gansu province on March 11. [Photo provided to jiuquan.gogansu.com]

The day of Longtaitou, which literally means "dragon raises its head," falls on the second day of the second lunar month. This year it falls on March 11.

Ancient people believed that after this day, rainfall increases because the Dragon King who is known to bring rain has awakened from his winter sleep.

Dunhuang in Northwest China's Gansu province hosted a series of folk activities to mark the day in the Mingsha Mountain and Crescent Spring Scenic Area.

Thousands of residents and tourists gathered   enjoying dragon dance performances, costume tours, praying and making wishes.

Amid the sounds of gongs and drums, they touched the dragon's head and walked on the dragon's path to receive blessings from the ritual animal.

Along with the jubilant dragon dance rhythms, the arrival of spring tourism in Dunhuang also begins.