As the lunar Chinese New Year approaches, lantern festivals in cities across China are beginning to illuminate the night, creating a lively and festive atmosphere in the run-up to the grandest annual holiday for the Chinese people.

This year's Spring Festival, or the traditional Chinese New Year's Day, which falls on February 17 this year, marks the beginning of the Year of the Horse on the cycle of 12 zodiac animals of the Chinese lunar calendar. It is the most important holiday in China, which is celebrated for family reunion and good luck in the upcoming year.

In Zigong City of southwest China's Sichuan Province, a stunning light spectacle inspired by the "Kunpeng", a mythical Chinese creature that transformed from a giant fish into a giant bird, stretches 210 meters in length and rises 32 meters high, showcasing both traditional Chinese culture and modern technological advancements.

To usher in the Year of the Horse, the lantern set of Hua Mulan, a legendary Chinese heroine who dressed as a man and joined the army in her father's place, cleverly merges the heroic figure of Mulan with the galloping horses.

"Mulan is a household name, and we want to show her patriotism. This design represents her victorious return from the battlefield, symbolizing success and blessing for the lunar New Year," said Duan Shao, chief designer of Mulan-themed lantern set.

The fourth Lantern Art Festival at the Beijing Expo Park has also kicked off recently. A highlight of this year's festival is the debut of the classic Chinese animated IP "The Monkey King: Uproar in Heaven" presented in a lantern form.

"We've incorporated modern holographic projection technology into this lantern festival. The holograms will showcase the sky battle scene, making it more engaging for children and enhancing their fun experience," said Li Weiming, coordinator of the Lantern Art Festival.

Meanwhile, the 40th Qinhuai Lantern Festival in Nanjing, east China's Jiangsu Province has dazzled visitors with a massive 15-meter-tall flying horse lantern, vividly showcasing the artistry.

"I come from Jiangxi Province [in east China]. I think the overall atmosphere is great, and the lights are beautiful," said a visitor.