Core Viewpoint - The news highlights the vibrant cultural atmosphere in Datong during the Spring Festival, showcasing the integration of traditional customs with modern technology through the ancient city wall light show and folk performances, which attract many visitors and enhance local cultural identity [1][3][5]. Group 1: Lantern Festival Highlights - The 2026 Datong Ancient Capital Lantern Festival features 46 large-scale and unique lantern displays, creating a "light + experience + consumption" full-scene link [1]. - The festival's theme, "Thousands of Horses Sounding Together for the Chinese New Year," includes five major themed areas and illuminates the 7.24 kilometers of ancient city walls, resembling a dragon adorned in splendid attire [3]. - A standout feature is the 50-meter-long and 22-meter-high relief main lantern group "Heavenly Horse Drumming, Prosperity Presenting," which incorporates interactive elements [5]. Group 2: Cultural Activities and Community Engagement - The festival includes traditional folk performances such as dragon and lion dances, which enhance the festive atmosphere and engage the local community [7][8]. - Young participants, like college students, are actively involved in traditional performances, blending modern dance and music with traditional elements, thus revitalizing local customs [7]. - The community's participation in folk activities fosters a sense of belonging and cultural pride, transforming performances into a means of emotional connection among residents [8].

Core Viewpoint - The Datong Ancient City Lantern Festival aims to revitalize winter tourism in the ancient city of Datong by combining historical elements with modern technology, showcasing cultural heritage while appealing to contemporary audiences [1][5]. Group 1: Event Overview - The Lantern Festival was launched on February 10, featuring a total length of 7.2 kilometers of city walls illuminated for the first time [1]. - The theme of the festival is "Thousands of Horses Sound Together for the Chinese New Year: The East Shines Brightly in Datong," with 46 large and medium-sized lanterns distributed along the city walls [2]. Group 2: Cultural and Technological Integration - The festival incorporates traditional lantern-making techniques alongside modern methods such as 3D relief and digital interaction, exemplified by a 22-meter tall "Heavenly Horse" sculpture created by intangible cultural heritage artisans [2]. - The event balances historical, folk, and contemporary themes, featuring local cultural elements like the Yungang Grottoes and Northern Wei inscriptions, as well as designs reflecting the Year of the Horse and green energy [2]. Group 3: Tourism and Economic Impact - Since its inception in 2013, the Datong Ancient City Lantern Festival has become a key initiative for promoting winter tourism in the region [5]. - The festival aims to provide visitors with a new perspective on the ancient city by merging heritage with modern light technology, enhancing the cultural experience and achieving the goal of "not dull in the off-season" for cultural tourism [5].