Dazzling lantern shows have lit up cities across China, as people start to celebrate the upcoming Chinese New Year, which falls on January 25 this year. 

In Suining City, southwest China's Sichuan Province, a lantern show has turned the city into a magical place with lanterns of various colors, sizes, and shapes. 

At the opening ceremony of the show on Thursday, a live show portraying the scenes of the Song Dynasty (960-1279) enabled local citizens and tourists to feel the charm and beauty of the Chinese culture. 

Apart from the live show, a variety of lanterns added more color to the city.

In Shenyang City, northeast China's Liaoning Province, a similar lantern show also opened on Friday.

Visitors can also enjoy folk performances while marveling at the spectacle of more than 60 lantern sets on display.