The skies over China lit up brilliantly on Wednesday, as people across the country celebrated the Lantern Festival, signaling the grand finale of the Spring Festival holiday.
The festival, observed on the 15th day of the first month of Chinese lunar calendar, fell on Wednesday this year.
In Haikou, the capital of south China's Hainan Province, the night sky was transformed by 3,000 drones forming intricate patterns accompanied by dazzling fireworks.
In Lingshui, another city in Hainan, molten iron created stunning showers of sparks in the night sky.
Thousands of drones illuminated the night sky over Taihu Lake in Suzhou, a city in east China's Jiangsu Province, as people there celebrated the festival. The show featured more than 10 different designs, which combined with a musical fountain to create a spectacular sound and light show.
A musical fireworks show, local folk performances, and special food brought people out on the streets for Lantern Festival celebrations in Dunhua, a city in northeast China's Jilin Province.
Shenyang, in northeast China's Liaoning Province, expressed its hope for a prosperous year with a 30-meter-long lantern set. The city also celebrated Chinese civilization through traditional lanterns and mesmerizing light shows.
"The design is very good, and beautifully integrates some very traditional Chinese styles and culture. It's very beautiful," said a visitor surnamed Cui.
Dragon and lion dance teams paraded through the streets of Huaihua, a city in central China's Hunan Province, bringing festive blessings to the people.
In Manas, a county in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, the night sky was illuminated by fireworks that glittered like stars. People enjoyed lanterns, fireworks, and guessed lantern riddles, making the Lantern Festival a memorable and joyful celebration.
"Watching lanterns, enjoying fireworks, and experiencing folk activities, I think it's a very happy and meaningful Lantern Festival," said Hao Siqi, a visitor.
Lanterns also lit up the streets of Beijing.
Lantern Festival dazzles across China
The Iranian government is focusing on public concerns and maintaining stable supplies of essential goods amid recent protests, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said in a televised interview on Sunday.
In the city of Karaj, northwest of the capital Tehran, daily life has largely continued as normal. A video filmed by a local resident on Sunday shows food stores open and grocery shelves fully stocked.
"This is the block near my home, and there are some food stores here. Daily life continues here. Last night we did not see many protests in Karaj. Right now the city is very safe. This is a grocery store close to my home. All the food is available; nothing is in shortage. Here are noodles and different types of beans. Here are dairy products, cheese, and yogurt. I also checked other grocery stores and didn't see any shortages. Everything is available," said local resident Ali Reza.
Iranian officials have described recent disturbances as acts orchestrated by the "enemy," including some carried out by well-trained and armed "terrorists." The incidents have caused casualties among security personnel and civilians, as well as property damage.
The Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council Ali Larijani has directed authorities to severely punish the "terrorists."
Meanwhile, Iran's police chief Ahmad-Reza Radan said on Sunday that the police had raised alert levels and arrested several leaders of the troublemakers during the operations on Saturday.
President Pezeshkian noted in the interview that the normal demands of the Iranian people are reasonable and justified, but they must realize that triggering riots and carrying out terrorist acts are the enemy's attempts to undermine the country. He urged the public to remain vigilant.
Also on Sunday, Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf warned that Tehran would regard U.S. and Israeli bases and facilities in the Middle East as "legitimate targets" if Washington takes military action against Iran. His remarks followed media reports saying U.S. President Donald Trump is "seriously considering authorizing a strike" against Iran.
Iranian state media reported that at least 109 members of Iran's security forces have been killed in clashes since the protests began 14 days ago. Meanwhile, human rights groups based outside the country said the number of protesters killed has exceeded 200, though the figure could not be independently verified.
The protests initially erupted over a sharp depreciation of the rial and sweeping subsidy reforms. Iranian authorities have blamed the unrest on foreign-linked agents and sanctions imposed by the United States.
Iranian president says government focusing on ensuring supplies amid protests
