Ancient Datong lantern show gaining popularity

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The 2018 Datong Lantern Fair is attracting numerous visitors as the whole country celebrates the Spring Festival.

The event was held on the city walls, which spans 7 kilometers, in the ancient city in northern China’s Shanxi Province.

Many are traveling to enjoy the nighttime spectacle with their family and friends.

An aerial view of the ancient city lit up by colorful lanterns. /CGTN Photo

This year's Datong Lantern fair showcases 186 kinds of traditional and modern lanterns, covering an area of over 3 million square meters.

A major highlight is a giant domed screen, which looks sort of like a high-tech igloo.

Visitors inside are able to enjoy a 360-degree display showing different videos.

A family taking selfies at the lantern fair. /CGTN Photo

A woman, visiting with her husband and two daughters, said, “We hope more people from other places can come to visit the lantern show in Datong. It’s great to be here.”

Another visitor came with her wife and daughter from Tianjin.

He said, “I think the lantern show in Datong is gaining popularity. Every lantern has its own unique style. We feel that the place has a festive atmosphere.”

Lanterns lit up the night around the city walls in Datong. /CGTN Photo

Datong is around 4 hours from Beijing by car. It’s one of the most famous historical and cultural sites in China. The restored city walls have long been among the city’s defining traits.

The city walls are over 7 kilometers long, and enclose a square area in the middle of the city. An aerial view shows these walls as a backdrop make the lantern show a special experience.

Folk performers were visiting the lantern show in Datong. /CGTN Photo

Local authorities say tourism will peak in the city around the Chinese lantern festival in early March. The show opened on Feb. 8 and will last for a month. More than a million people from China and overseas are expected to come this year.