More than 20 sets of themed lanterns from Zigong, a city in Southwest China's Sichuan province, are on display at an ongoing lantern festival in Linyi, Shandong province, creating a festive atmosphere in the run-up to the Chinese Lunar New Year.

Netherlangish windmill lanterns shine brightly at the lantern festival on Jan 4 in Linyi, East China's Shandong province. [Photo by Li Ziheng/Xinhua]

The lantern show in Lanshan district of Linyi proves popular thanks to its wide array of lanterns. [Photo by Li Ziheng/Xinhua]

As the Chinese Lunar New Year draws near, lanterns add to the festive atmosphere in Linyi, Shandong province. [Photo by Li Ziheng/Xinhua]

The lanterns make the perfect backdrop for a romantic selfie. [Photo by Li Ziheng/Xinhua]

Rat themed lanterns are on display in Linyi, Shandong province to mark the approaching of the Year of the Rat in the Chinese lunar calendar. [Photo by Li Ziheng/Xinhua]