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Beijing’s Forbidden City illuminated for Lantern Festival

February 19 2019 12:24 AM

CP1139945578 — Visitors watch the Wumen Gate wall of the Forbidden City is illuminated during the Lantern Festival in Beijing, Tuesday, Feb. 19, 2019. Beijing\'s Palace Museum was illuminated and opened for night visits to celebrate China\'s Lantern Festival. For the first time since it was established 94 years ago, the Palace Museum, also known as the Forbidden City, extended opening hours till nighttime and lit up part of its cultural relics buildings. (AP Photo/Andy Wong)

Original Publication Date: February 19, 2019 12:24AM

Publication Updated: April 21, 2025 9:17AM

Beijing’s Forbidden City has been illuminated and opened to the general public for night visits for the first time to celebrate China’s Lantern Festival.

As night fell, visitors were welcomed by a light show at the Meridian Gate exhibition hall. A dazzling array of lights also lit up the Supreme Harmony Hall. Chinese characters and traditional decorations were projected on the outer walls.

Along a corridor, the ancient Chinese painting “Along the River During the Qingming Festival” was projected on rooftops.

The Forbidden City, which served as China’s political centre for more than 500 years, is now known as the Palace Museum. China’s Lantern Festival marks the end of Lunar New Year festivities.