Nanjing City, Jiangsu Province, east China - Recent (CCTV - No access Chinese mainland)
1. Aerial shots of illuminated buildings in Jinling Town, visitors
2. Various of dance performance, visitors
3. Various of molten-iron fireworks, visitors taking photos

Qinhuangdao City, Hebei Province, north China - Recent (CCTV - No access Chinese mainland)
4. Aerial shot of New Year lantern fair
5. Various of visitors at fair, strolling, posing for photos
6. Various of molten-iron fireworks, fire pot performances, visitors taking photos
7. SOUNDBITE (Chinese) Li Ziyi, visitor:
"I didn’t expect to see such an amazing light show and performances right in my hometown. It was wonderful, and I’ll come back next year."
8. Various of sky lantern releases, visitors

Hengshan County, Hengyang City, Hunan Province, central China - Feb 18, 2026 (CCTV - No access Chinese mainland)
9. Aerial shot of illuminated Hengshandu Scenic Area
10. Visitors waving flags
11. Various of drone light show in progress
12. Aerial shots of illuminated Hengshandu Scenic Area, visitors

Many Chinese cities have launched nighttime programs and shows during this year's nine-day Spring Festival holiday, which runs through Feb 23, drawing significant crowds.

The Spring Festival, or the Chinese New Year, which fell on Feb. 17 this year, is the most important traditional holiday for the Chinese people.

In Nanjing City, east China's Jiangsu Province, Jinling Town, a cultural and tourism spot, has introduced special nighttime events featuring vibrant light displays, traditional dances, and intangible cultural heritage performances, creating a strong festive atmosphere that attracted many visitors.

Known as the "ancient capital of six dynasties," Nanjing has a rich history as the center of various dynasties and kingdoms. It served as the imperial seat of six southern dynasties that ruled southern China from the 3rd to 6th centuries and was the national capital of a unified China during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644).

In Qinhuangdao City, north China's Hebei Province, a Chinese New Year lantern fair has captivated large crowds with dozens of themed light displays and traditional performances, including molten-iron fireworks and fire pot performances.

A spectacular display featuring 1,000 drones and sky lantern releases has added to the night's festivities.

Visitor Li Ziyi expressed her delight, saying, "I didn't expect to see such an amazing light show and performances right in my hometown. It was wonderful, and I'll come back next year."

This year's lantern fair is scheduled to run through March 4, with an expected attendance of more than 200,000.

In Hengshan County, central China's Hunan Province, a stunning drone light show was held at the Hengshandu Scenic Area on Wednesday, drawing large crowds.

Accompanied by festive music, the show began at 20:00, showcasing a variety of auspicious designs. The show beautifully complemented the riverside lights and boat decorations, illuminating the night sky.

Staff reported that these nighttime activities accounted for 40 percent of the scenic area's total revenue during the Spring Festival holiday. The series of events celebrating the Spring Festival will continue until the Lantern Festival on March 3.