Night skies have been lighting up with spectacular firework displays and breathtaking drone shows as people across China ring in 2026.
During the ongoing New Year holiday from Thursday to Saturday, a theme park in Huai'an, east China's Jiangsu Province has wowed visitors with dazzling firework displays up in the sky, and molten iron fireworks show, which involves splashing molten metal to create sparkling streaks of light on water.
"The fireworks were very beautiful. With so many people around me, I feel so warm, excited and happy," said Bao Mojing, a tourist.
In addition, the scenic spot has prepared 2,000 drones, which take to the sky to create illuminated patterns including horse -- in celebration of the upcoming Chinese zodiac Year of the Horse, and koi fish -- a symbol of luck, as night sets in.
Tourists can also enjoy live performances and traditional folk culture parades.
On the New Year's Day, a New Year Lantern Festival opened at a park in Hefei City, east China's Anhui Province, and will run until March 4.
As part of the celebrations for the upcoming Year of the Horse, the two-month-long event presents over 50 units of lanterns, which blend traditional craftsmanship with digital technology.
In addition, the festival entertains sightseers with live performances, folk dances, and molten iron fireworks shows.
Starting from New Year's Eve, a tourist attraction in Handan City, north China's Hebei Province, has launched a themed light show, which utilizes multimedia and digital technology as well as advanced stage designs, to showcase traditional Chinese culture.
During the holiday, the scenic spot also offers interactive experience and folk performances.
China welcomes 2026 with firework displays, drone shows
Yemen's transport ministry on Thursday rejected new Saudi-imposed flight restrictions, calling a requirement for planes to stop in Saudi Arabia for security inspections an "air blockade" that undermines national sovereignty.
Officials loyal to the secessionist Southern Transitional Council (STC) have refused to comply with the new protocols ordered by Yemen's Saudi-backed central government, and have partially halted operations in Aden International Airport, the country's primary gateway, a source within the Yemeni government told China's Xinhua News Agency.
The standoff is the latest sign of a deepening fracture within the coalition fighting the Houthi group. While the STC is technically part of Yemen's ruling Presidential Leadership Council (PLC), the group seeks independence for southern Yemen and is frequently at odds with the internationally recognized government.
Saudi Arabia recently ordered all international flights departing and entering Yemen to undergo security screenings at Jeddah Airport before continuing to their final destinations. While some of those restrictions were later eased, they remain in place for all flights traveling to and from the United Arab Emirates (UAE), which is allegedly the main backer of STC.
Government officials said the measures are intended to curb the movement of STC leaders between Yemen and the UAE, effectively cutting off external support for the secessionist movement.
Tensions between the factions escalated this week after the STC seized large swathes of the oil-rich Hadramout province and the eastern province of Al-Mahrah. Riyadh considers these areas a "red line" due to their proximity to the Saudi border and their concentration of Yemen's remaining energy reserves.
On Tuesday, a Saudi-led coalition airstrike targeted vehicles at the port of Mukalla in Hadramout. Saudi officials said the vehicles were intended for STC forces. Following the strike, PLC Chairman Rashad al-Alimi canceled a joint defense agreement with the UAE and ordered all Emirati forces to leave the country within 24 hours. The UAE confirmed Thursday it has begun withdrawing its remaining troops from Hadramout, citing safety concerns.
The STC commands significant control over Aden and other southern cities. Several cabinet members, including Transport Minister Abdulsalam Saleh Humaid, are loyal to the STC rather than the central leadership.
Aden's pro-separatist officials reject Saudi flight restrictions, partially halt airport operations
Aden's pro-separatist officials reject Saudi flight restrictions, partially halt airport operations
