Locals and visitors celebrate the new year with a 3D light show on Dec 31, 2025, in Wanping town, Fengtai district, Beijing. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]
Wanping town, located in Beijing's Fengtai district, reopened parts of its ancient fortifications to the public at the end of September after a large-scale renovation completed last year. The restoration has brought renewed attention to the historic town ahead of the upcoming Spring Festival.
Two children pose for a photo with a lion model in Wanping town. The lions on the Lugou Bridge are a landmark of the historic area. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]
The town is best known as the site of the July 7 Incident at Lugou Bridge in 1937, which marked the beginning of China's full-scale resistance against Japanese invasion during the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression (1931–45).
Children for a photo in Wanping town to welcome the upcoming Year of the Horse. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]
Originally constructed in 1638 near the end of the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), Wanping has a history of more than 380 years. Its fortress is the only well-preserved double-gated garrison town in northern China. The walls, constructed with layered stone slabs, bricks, and compacted earth, were designed to withstand heavy impact.
Snow drifts down over Wanping town on Jan 18, 2026. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]
As part of the reopening, visitors have been allowed onto the restored ramparts, where cultural activities such as light shows, traditional performances, and exhibitions have been introduced to highlight the site's history.
Festive lights glow amid the snowfall at the newly renovated Wanping town on Jan 17, 2026. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]
Residents and businesses are now preparing for Spring Festival celebrations, including events marking Lichun, or the Beginning of Spring, on Feb 4, and an opera-themed temple fair scheduled to open on Feb 10, around the time of Little New Year, which marks the commencement of holiday preparations.
