Cities ring in New Year with spectacular night celebrations

People in China welcomed the New Year with vibrant celebrations and cultural displays on Tuesday night, from spectacular light show and night cruise to dazzling iron flower performances.

The combination of vibrant lights, festive events, and cultural showcases exemplified the spirit of celebration as people welcomed 2024 with joy and hope.

As the clock struck midnight, the bustling Qingdao Olympic Sailing Center in the city came alive with vibrant light shows and unique night cruises, drawing crowds of locals and tourists eager to welcome the new year.

In addition to the light display, the newly-opened Fushan Bay New Year's Eve special cruise also provided visitors with a fresh perspective and experience.

"This is my first New Year's Eve on a boat. It's very special and the scenery is beautiful," said Li, a tourist.

Meanwhile, in southwest China's Chongqing Municipality, Changshou District unveiled its spring festival lights, instantly filling the city with a peaceful festive atmosphere. As night fell, colorful decorations illuminated the streets, creating a comfortable urban landscape.

This year's light show prominently featured red and yellow hues, incorporating traditional elements such as red lanterns, Chinese knots and lucky bags, along with auspicious clouds, phoenixes, and pomelos, showcasing the region's characteristic culture.

"I think the fancy lanterns this year are very beautiful and spectacular. It's very colorful and in a new style. It brings strong New Year atmosphere," said Chen Hongling, a resident.

"The colorful lights has made the city more lively and warmer, providing a good place for citizens to take photos and hang out together, enhancing the festive atmosphere," said Chuan Yaqi, another resident.

In Kaifeng, an ancient capital in central China's Henan Province, elaborate fireworks lit up the night sky, greeting the arrival of 2025.

Traditional performances, including the "Iron Flower" intangible heritage performance, captivated spectators with molten iron tossed into the air, creating a dazzling shower of sparks against the backdrop of ancient architecture.

Cities ring in New Year with spectacular night celebrations

As technologies like 5G, VR, and AI become more widely applied in the consumption sector, digital innovations are injecting new vitality into economic growth.

In major sports parks across Shenzhen City, south China's Guangdong Province, new projects featuring scientific innovation such as smart running tracks and AI fitness gyms have added new excitement and enjoyment to traditional sports activities.

Some parks have also launched multiple drone delivery services, as consumers can simply tap their phone screens, and within just a few minutes, their desired products can "fly" right to them.

"It feels great since my order arrived quite fast," said a resident surnamed Dai.

Cultural and tourism landmarks have unveiled innovative ways to engage visitors with the help of new technologies.

In Anyang City, central China's Henan Province, the Yinxu Museum at the Yin Ruins, the site of the last capital of the Shang Dynasty (1600-1046 BC), has adopted the naked-eye 3D technology to present the ancient artifacts to the audience in a refreshing visual format of archaeology experiences.

"By employing high-precision 3D data modeling of cultural relics, along with advanced technologies such as high-definition imaging and enhanced micro-tracing, we aim to vividly convey the rich information hidden within these artifacts, truly bringing our museum's collections to life," said Zhao Qingrong, deputy curator of the Yinxu Museum.

For museums in Zibo City, east China's Shandong Province, they utilize wearable devices to create immersive panoramic films for visitors.

"This VR headset provides a strong immersive sensory experience, allowing us to easily engage in the virtual environment," said tourist Zhai Xiao.

Digital innovation injects vitality to consumption