Across China, night skies came alive with dazzling firework displays and mesmerising drone shows as people welcomed in 2026. At a theme park in Huai'an, east China’s Jiangsu Province, visitors enjoyed spectacular fireworks and a molten iron display, which involves splashing molten metal to create sparkling streaks of light on water. 

The park also launched 2,000 drones, forming illuminated patterns including a horse, celebrating the Year of the Horse, and the koi fish, a symbol of luck. Live performances and folk parades added to the festive atmosphere.

In Hefei, east China’s Anhui Province, a New Year Lantern Festival opened on 1 January, which runs until 4 March, featuring over 50 lantern units blending traditional craft with digital technology, alongside folk dances and molten iron fireworks. Handan, north China’s Hebei Province, showcased traditional culture through multimedia light shows and interactive experiences, offering visitors a rich and celebratory start to the new year.

Source: China Central Television