A myriad of lights will set Beijing aglow in celebration of the Spring Festival, or Chinese Lunar New Year. The Beijing Municipal Administration Commission says the lights are to illuminate the city at night to add more joy to the festival, in addition to serving as preparations for the vibrant night life planned for next year's Olympics.

According to the commission, the lighting scheme will be centered on Tian'anmen Square and extend to all of Chang'an Avenue and other major streets. More than 150 buildings on the Avenue and 30 overpasses will glow over the eight nights.

Beijing Youth Daily reports major boulevards and landmark buildings in the capital city along with scenic spots will be lit up every night from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. for the seven day holiday starting with Chinese New Year Eve on February 17, with the lights to stay on until 1 o'clock in the morning on New Year's Day.

In related news, a total of 111 roads across Beijing's eight districts will be closed on Chinese New Year's Eve so that citizens can set off fireworks, according to bjd.com.cn.

The report said the roads will be closed for 30 minutes starting from 11:45 p.m. Saturday night. Motor vehicles will be barred from the restricted areas temporarily, with only pedestrians and bicycles allowed through. Because the 111 roads are not main routes through Beijing, normal traffic should not be affected.

An official with the Beijing Traffic Management Bureau, Li Guorui, said more than 1,000 police officers will patrol the areas to ensure safety and order. Meanwhile, 216 signs will be set up near the roads beforehand to signal people to take detours.

The Beijing Traffic Management Bureau has posted information on its website related to the temporary closures for the public.

(CRI February 17, 2007)