The 2025 Datong Ancient City Lantern Festival kicked off with a spectacular ceremony on Dec 31. Centered around the Yongtai Gate area, the festival extended to the east and west sides of the southern section of the city wall, as well as to the eastern section, offering visitors a visual feast.

During the opening ceremony, a grand welcoming ceremony blended with an immersive experience in the style of the Northern Wei Dynasty (386-534) was held, immersing attendees in the unique charm of the dynasty.

The 2025 Datong Ancient City Lantern Festival kicks off. [Photo/Yellow River News]

Meanwhile, the lighting ceremony and drone performance complemented each other perfectly. Dignitaries lit symbolic lanterns representing hope and beauty, while hundreds of drones formed dazzling patterns in the sky above the ancient city, creating a festive atmosphere.

Entering through the east gate of the city wall, visitors were greeted by a dreamy blue lantern display themed around "technology, energy, agriculture, and cultural tourism", highlighting Datong's accelerated development of a modern industrial system.

The exhibited lanterns. [Photo/Yellow River News]

At the lantern festival, lanterns featuring famous historical sites, local customs, and zodiac signs intertwined. The "Prosperous Lion Welcoming Guests" lantern display depicted a lively lion dance welcoming good fortune, while the "Legacy of Chinese New Year" lantern exhibit showcased Datong's traditional cuisine.

The lantern festival also featured innovative traditional lanterns, focusing on zodiac culture, blessing culture, and more, and nine themed lantern areas, resulting in an event combining folk lanterns, performances, and experiences.

The cultural performances. [Photo/Yellow River News]