As the Spring Festival approaches on Jan 28, Datong city – in North China's Shanxi province – is making extra special arrangements.

It's preparing exquisite festive lanterns, a raft of handicraft items and various choice culinary delicacies – enabling tourists from all around the world to experience a unique and wonderful happy Chinese New Year in Datong together.

As one of the "first historical and cultural cities in China", Datong launches unique custom activities every year during the Spring Festival.

Watching the lanterns during the Chinese New Year has become a popular choice for many tourists to celebrate the holiday. To do so, the 2025 Datong Ancient Capital Lantern Festival has been launched at the south section of the Datong Ancient City Wall.

Folk lanterns, art performances, interactive experiences and festive markets will be staged in rotation from New Year's Day to the Spring Festival, presenting tourists with a cultural feast in true Datong style.

Live performances entertain the audience every day during the lantern show period. [Photo/Shanxi Daily]

During the day, visitors and residents can casually walk through the city and go to hip shops such as handicraft exhibition halls, cultural and creative shops, cafes and Hanfu photography studios, which provide you with an experience that intertwines ancient and modern times.

Exquisite groups of lanterns dazzle onlookers at the south section of the Datong Ancient City Wall at night. [Photo/Shanxi Daily]

In addition, steaming Datong Old Hotpot, delicious Daoxiao noodles, glutinous Baihua shaomai, or flower-shaped steamed dumplings, and sweet rice cakes will all give tourists a very special taste of Datong.

Besides watching lanterns, the local Ice Carnival will demonstrate to visitors and residents the arresting contrast of blue Datong sky and white ice and snow, which has helped make the place the top choice for many tourists.

Tourists have a blast at the Wanlong Ski Resort in Datong. [Photo/Shanxi Daily]