Various cultural and sports events have been launched recently in Datong, North China's Shanxi province, to welcome the upcoming Spring Festival, which falls on Feb 1 this year. 

A 40-day online Spring Festival cultural event started in the city on Jan 25, with more than 10 activities focusing on five major themes being held. 

The event is co-sponsored by the Publicity Department of the Datong Municipal Party Committee, Datong bureau of culture and tourism, and Datong Federation of Literary and Art Circles. It is aimed at strengthening Datong's image as an ancient city and promoting the integrated development of culture and tourism.

Locals are invited to take photos and videos of local folk customs, history and culture related to the traditional Spring Festival, beautiful scenery, and delicious food and share them on social networking platforms.

Three major mass fitness events in celebration of the traditional Chinese New Year have also been prepared, offering sports enthusiasts opportunities to showcase their skills.

The three events sponsored by the Datong sports bureau and Datong Sports Federation include an online fitness gala, a Chinese Go competition, and a volunteer service event.

The online fitness gala invites local citizens to photograph themselves exercising and share the photos online. 

In addition, the gala features a mass ice and snow sports exhibition, which will include participants' wishes for the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics through calligraphy, painting, paper-cutting, recitation, and singing.