Shoton festival celebrated in Lhasa (1/4)

Fireworks burst in front of the Potala Palace Square in Lhasa, capital of southwest China's Tibet Autonomous Region, Aug. 6, 2013. The annual Shoton festival is celebrated in Lhasa from Aug. 6 to 12. The Shoton festival since the 17th century has become a celebration featuring both religious rituals and civil entertainment. It is now considered as one of the most important festivals on the Tibetan calendar. (Xinhua/Song Zhenping)