Xi'an and Nanjing Hold Lantern Shows to Celebrate Spring Festival

　　Visitors view lanterns at the 32nd Xi'an City Wall Lantern Festival, Jan 28, 2019. [Photo by Huo Yan/chinadaily.com.cn]

Xi'an and Nanjing, two ancient cities in China, have been decorated with and illuminated by a large variety of fancy lanterns to celebrate the upcoming Spring Festival.

The lantern shows in the two cities have a history of more than 30 years. This is the first time that they cooperated with each other and lit up festive lanterns at the same time on Monday, the Little New Year on the Chinese lunar calendar.

The 32nd Xi'an City Wall Lantern Festival will close on March 10. The 33rd Qinhuai Lantern Festival in Nanjing will end earlier, on Feb 22.

　　A pig-themed lantern brightens the night at the 32nd Xi'an City Wall Lantern Festival, Jan 28, 2019. [Photo by Huo Yan/chinadaily.com.cn]

　　The lantern of a Chinese mythical theme attracts dozens of visitors in Xi'an, Northwest China's Shaanxi province, Jan 28, 2019. [Photo by Huo Yan/chinadaily.com.cn]

　　A visitor touches a cartoon character lantern at the 32nd Xi'an City Wall Lantern Festival, Jan 28, 2019. [Photo by Huo Yan/chinadaily.com.cn]

　　A giant lantern of a Chinese mythical theme hangs on the city wall of Xi'an, Jan 28, 2019. [Photo by Huo Yan/chinadaily.com.cn]

　　A dragon-shaped lantern is on display before the city wall of Xi'an, Jan 28, 2019. [Photo by Huo Yan/chinadaily.com.cn]