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China welcomes 2026 with firework displays, drone shows

China

China

China

China welcomes 2026 with firework displays, drone shows

2026-01-02 17:32 Last Updated At:20:07

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

China welcomes 2026 with firework displays, drone shows

United Nations (UN) Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Thursday reiterated his call for the United States and Israel to stop the war against Iran, and for Iran to stop attacking its neighbors.

Noting that the impacts of the conflict are being felt everywhere, Guterres warned that the world is on the edge of a wider war that would engulf the whole Middle East with dramatic impacts around the globe.

The secretary-general said that "the Middle East crisis has lurched into its second month", and warned that the scale of devastation, indiscriminate attacks, and targeting of civilians and civilian infrastructure are all growing.

"My message is clear. To the United States and Israel, it is high time to stop the war that is inflicting immense human suffering and already triggering devastating economic consequences. To Iran, to stop attacking their neighbors. The Security Council has condemned these attacks and reaffirmed the need to respect navigational rights and freedoms along critical maritime routes, including the Strait of Hormuz. Conflicts do not end on their own. They end when leaders choose dialog over destruction. That choice still exists, and it must be made now," he said.

Guterres said diplomatic efforts are underway to find a peaceful path forward, which "deserve the space and support to succeed -- anchored firmly in international law, including the UN Charter".

UN chief renews call for U.S., Israel to stop war against Iran

UN chief renews call for U.S., Israel to stop war against Iran

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