Taiwan lanterns made their debut in China on Thursday as the two countries prepare to celebrate the Lunar New Year.

The eastern city of Nanjing joined forces with the Taiwanese city of Chiayi for the traditional Chinese lantern festival.

The lantern festival is being held along the scenic Qinhuai River.

This year the main designs are of the dragon and phoenix.

Though Thursday's ceremony was only open to officials and guests, some members of the public popped in for a first look at the lanterns.