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.

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]

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

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

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

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

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