By CNS
DUNHUANG, Gansu Province, Feb. 22, 2026 — A spectacular drone show lit up the night sky over Dunhuang during the Spring Festival holiday, drawing large crowds to the historic oasis city along the ancient Silk Road.
More than 1,000 drones took flight each evening in carefully choreographed formations, creating luminous images inspired by Dunhuang’s rich cultural heritage and desert landscapes. The aerial display featured iconic sites including the Mogao Grottoes, Mingsha Mountain, and Crescent Spring, alongside animated scenes of camels trekking across the sands.
Cultural symbols such as murals from the Mogao Caves, the mythical nine-colored deer, and a winged horse were highlighted in the light show. Festive elements — blooming flowers and Chinese characters symbolizing spring and good fortune — added to the celebratory atmosphere. A galloping horse, representing the zodiac sign of the year, became one of the show’s visual centerpieces.
The nightly performances underscored Dunhuang’s growing appeal as a cultural and tourism hub, blending cutting-edge technology with centuries-old artistic traditions to celebrate the Chinese New Year.
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