Datong, a city of antiquities, has begun preparations for its lantern shows over the city wall area with Chinese New Year fast approaching.

The lantern shows will last from Jan 20 to Feb 19 and run between 9:00 am and 10:30 pm.

The gates of the city wall have taken on a festive atmosphere with decorations depicting local features. [Photo/xinhuanet.com]

The gates of the city wall have taken on a festive atmosphere with decorations depicting local features. [Photo/xinhuanet.com]

The gates of the city wall have taken on a festive atmosphere with decorations depicting local features. [Photo/xinhuanet.com]

As part of the lantern shows, a series of ice activities have also being staged since Dec 24, 2016.

The activities have offered around 3,000 visitors the chance to enjoy themselves taking part in skiing and making ice sculptures in an area measuring 50,000 square meters.

Datong, the second largest city in North China’s Shanxi province, is one of the country’s 24 famous historic and cultural cities designated by the State Council. It has a history spanning 2,300 years.

The city has over 300 important cultural heritage sites under protection, including 22 under state-level protection and 20 under provincial protection.