Dazzling fireworks, drone shows add festive atmosphere in Guangzhou, Luoyang

Chinese cities of Guangzhou and Luoyang hosted stunning fireworks and drone light shows to celebrate the 2025 Spring Festival, offering unforgettable visual experiences to residents and visitors.

On Wednesday night, the first day of the Chinese New Year, the 50-minute fireworks and drone show over the Bai'etan area dazzled the night sky of Guangzhou, the provincial capital of Guangdong in south China. The performance began with a formation of 2,025 drones illuminating the night sky, creating vibrant shapes like Spring Festival lanterns, a dancing lion, and the iconic Canton Tower, blending modern technology with traditional Lingnan culture to send festive greetings to the audience.

Following the drone display, a grand fireworks show lit up the sky with over 150,000 fireworks spanning 650 meters, sparkling fireworks and shimmering Pearl River enhanced each other's beauty, creating a breathtaking scene of lights and colors.

Meanwhile, in Luoyang, an ancient capital city in central China's Henan Province, the 2025 Luoyang New Year Fireworks Gala took place in the Ningrenfang area of the ruins of Luoyang City in Sui and Tang dynasties.

The event started at 20:00 with a combination of drones and fireworks, organized into six chapters to showcase the grandeur of Chinese dynasties from the Xia (2070 BC-1600 BC), Shang (1600BC-1046BC), and Zhou (1046BC-256BC) to the Sui (581-619) and Tang (618-907).

"The drone show was incredibly impressive, showcasing the power of our technology. The fireworks were so spectacular, making the festive atmosphere even stronger. It's been an amazing experience, and I wish everyone a prosperous and smooth year in 2025," said Xia Wenlei, a local resident.

The Luoyang fireworks gala, enhanced by drones, lasers, and fireworks, immersed both locals, Chinese and foreign visitors in the vibrant and historic charm of the ancient city.

Dazzling fireworks, drone shows add festive atmosphere in Guangzhou, Luoyang

Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Wednesday that Russia holds the strategic initiative along the entire front lines and the goals of the country's special military operation in Ukraine will be achieved.

"The past year has been an important milestone in fulfilling the tasks of the special military operation," Putin said while addressing an expanded meeting of the Russian Defense Ministry.

Putin underscored that Russia has the capability to accelerate its offensive pace, adding that Russia's task of expanding the security buffer zone will be fulfilled, and the core goals of the operation will be realized.

"This year alone, more than 300 settlements have been liberated, including major cities that the enemy had turned into fortified strongholds equipped with long-term defensive structures," the Russian leader said.

He said that the Russian military currently holds the strategic initiative along the entire Russia-Ukraine conflict front and is defeating Ukrainian forces, including elite Ukrainian units trained in the West.

Russia is currently seeking mutually beneficial and fair cooperation with the United States and European countries, Putin said.

Putin rejected claims portraying Russia as a threat to European nations, saying that such narratives are unfounded and fabricated.

Putin also announced that several submarines and surface ships have been commissioned into the Russian Navy this year, while the "Oreshnik" missile complex will enter combat duty by the end of 2025.

Russian military holds strategic initiative along entire Russia-Ukraine conflict front: Putin