Lights, lanterns illuminate cities across China to ring in Spring Festival

Spectacular light shows and dazzling lanterns are illuminating cities across China to ring in the Spring Festival, or the Chinese New Year, which falls on February 17 this year.

The stunning nighttime views are captivating the holiday crowds in popular tourist destinations such as Beijing, Cangzhou City in Hebei, and Xinzhou City in Shanxi.

Across the Chinese capital, all urban landscape lighting facilities are on display, the facade of major landmarks are glowing with lights, many streets are adorned with decorative lanterns, and outdoor electronic display screens are streaming greetings for the Spring Festival.

For this year's Spring Festival celebrations, the Cangzhou Garden Expo Park is displaying 16 large-scale and elaborate lantern sets, hosting various folk art performances that highlight traditional Chinese cultural heritage, and offering many other immersive experiences to the visitors.

In the Xinzhou Ancient City, a 45-day, horse-themed lantern show is showcasing the city's long history, natural scenery, and rich culture to locals and tourists alike.

The 2026 Spring Festival, the most important holiday in China, ushers in the Year of the Horse, the seventh animal in the 12-year Chinese zodiac cycle.

This year's official holiday lasts from Feb 15 to 23.

Lights, lanterns illuminate cities across China to ring in Spring Festival

Lights, lanterns illuminate cities across China to ring in Spring Festival

Some Japanese people said on Thursday that the government led by Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi must firmly uphold the pacifist constitution.

Their remarks came after French President Emmanuel Macron's visit to Japan from Tuesday to Thursday.

Attending a joint press conference with Takaichi on Wednesday, Macron emphasized that France and Japan have agreed on the importance of on the importance of quickly de-escalating the conflict in the Middle East and upholding international law.

Many saw this as a response to a strongly worded post by U.S. President Donald Trump on social media, which criticized France for refusing to cooperate with the U.S.-Israeli war on Iran.

Some locals in Tokyo expressed their opposition to Japan's involvement in any war, but said Japan could offer help when the conflict in the Middle East ends.

"I think that Prime Minister Takaichi could offer support, provided that we wouldn't get involved in an armed conflict, such as minesweeping operations at sea, as Japan has the best minesweeping technology in the world," said a resident in Tokyo.

"I'm not entirely sure what consequences will follow Trump's demands. There may be additional tariffs, among other things. Our constitution prohibits [Japan's] from getting involved in war, and Prime Minister Takaichi should uphold this principle," said another resident.

Tokyo residents urge PM Takaichi to uphold pacifist constitution