Crowds in provinces of Hubei and Jiangsu enjoyed spectacular light and lantern displays on the first day of the Year of the Horse.
A large-scale drone and fireworks show lit up the night sky above Baiyun Lake in Suizhou City, Hubei Province. A fleet of 4,000 drones assembled above the lake, shifting rapidly into formations that resembled a sprawling galaxy, a galloping "colorful horse," and a centuries-old ginkgo tree with golden branches.
Each new display, rich in local symbolism, drew gasps and cheers from the crowd.
"The scene was truly grand. It's my first time seeing such a large-scale performance in Suizhou. The atmosphere was bustling and lively, full of festive spirit," said Lu Zhansheng, a tourist.
As night fell and the lanterns were lit, Lianxi Lake Park in Xinghua City, Jiangsu Province, became a stage for a dazzling display. Lasers crisscrossed the sky and dancers performed on a flower boat at the lake's center, blending modern innovation with ancient customs. Along the shore, more than 20 large themed lantern displays lit up, combining traditional craftsmanship with contemporary design.
"There are laser shows, our local intangible cultural heritage and folk customs. The lanterns are stunning. It was truly breathtaking," said Zhang Yuchen, a visitor.
Visitors could also stroll through the market and sample local delicacies, making the festive atmosphere both visible and tangible.
Spectators dazzled by festive light shows across China
Spectators dazzled by festive light shows across China
The 24th Chinese Peacekeeping Contingent to the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) held a solemn flag-raising ceremony in their barracks on Tuesday, the first day of the 2026 Chinese New Year, conveying warm wishes to fellow Chinese people and hope for regional peace.
In the early morning of Tuesday, the barracks of the Chinese peacekeeping forces were filled with a festive atmosphere, with red lanterns and couplets adorning the grounds, contrasting beautifully with the blue helmets symbolizing the peacekeeping mission.
As the anthem of the United Nations, the national anthem of Lebanon, and the national anthem of China were played in succession, the UN flag, the Lebanese national flag, and the Chinese national flag were slowly hoisted, with all officers and soldiers facing the flags and solemnly saluting.
The 24th Chinese peacekeeping contingent consists of a multi-functional engineering unit, a construction engineering unit, and a medical unit.
Since its deployment in Lebanon in December last year, the Chinese peacekeeping force has been working on the front lines of mine clearance and explosive ordnance disposal, engineering construction, and medical assistance, safeguarding region peace and stability with its professionalism and dedication, and winning high recognition from the United Nations and the Lebanese people.
Speaking after the flag-raising ceremony, Chinese peacekeeper Liu Jia reflected on the significance of celebrating the Spring Festival while on mission.
"On the first day of the Chinese New Year, we organized a flag-raising ceremony in a foreign land. We feel both deeply honored by our mission and are keenly aware of the responsibility on our shoulders. Although we couldn't have a reunion with our families back at home during the Spring Festival, safeguarding regional peace and bringing glory to our motherland makes this Chinese New Year holiday the most meaningful for us. In the new year, we will firmly keep in mind our mission, live up to our responsibilities, and successfully fulfill all tasks. We wish our motherland prosperity and strength, and we wish all fellow Chinese people a happy Spring Festival," said Liu.
Over the past 19 years, Chinese peacekeeping contingent to the UNIFIL has cleared about 2 million square meters of suspected minefields, discovered and destroyed more than 18,000 landmines and unexplored ordnance, repaired 320 kilometers of roads, and provided medical assistance to more than 90,000 people.
Chinese peacekeepers in Lebanon mark Spring Festival with flag-raising ceremony
Chinese peacekeepers in Lebanon mark Spring Festival with flag-raising ceremony
