Bright Festival Nights in Beijing

Myriad lights will light up the night in the city of Beijing in celebration of the Spring Festival, or Chinese Lunar New Year.

Beijing Youth Daily reports major boulevards and landmark buildings in the capital city along with scenic spots will be lit up every night from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. for the seven day holiday starting with Chinese New Year Eve on February 17, with the lights to stay on until 1 o'clock in the morning on New Year's Day.

The Beijing Municipal Administration Commission says the lights are to illuminate the city at night to add more joy to the festival, in addition to serving as preparations for the vibrant night life planned for next year's Olympics.

The commission says the lighting scheme will be centered on Tian'anmen Square and extend to all of Chang'an Avenue and other major streets. More than 150 buildings on the Avenue and 30 overpasses will glow over the eight nights.

Editor: Jing