The 2026 Datong Ancient Capital Lantern Festival kicks off in Datong, Shanxi province, on Feb 10, 2026. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

The 2026 Datong Ancient Capital Lantern Festival lit up Datong, Shanxi province, on Tuesday evening, welcoming the upcoming Year of the Horse.

Visitors throng the 2026 Datong Ancient Capital Lantern Festival in Datong, Shanxi province, on Feb 10, 2026. [Photo by Zhu Xingxin/chinadaily.com.cn]

The city's 7.2-kilometer ancient walls were transformed into a glowing backdrop for the ongoing festival, which features 46 sets of lantern displays and long-scroll-style installations.

First launched in 2013, the festival has grown into a key event for Datong, playing a vital role in boosting local winter tourism.

Visitors throng the 2026 Datong Ancient Capital Lantern Festival in Datong, Shanxi province, on Feb 10, 2026. [Photo by Zhu Xingxin/chinadaily.com.cn]