BEIJING — Many cities across China have been staging light shows to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China.

During the weeklong National Day holiday, Beijing has lit up iconic buildings at night in areas including the Olympic Park, the Central Business District (CBD), Wangjing and Zhongguancun Street.

The light shows are themed on the National Day and display the Chinese slogans "I Love You, China" and "Long Live the Motherland," providing a festive atmosphere for residents as well as tourists in the national capital.

Xu Ming, who works for a financial institution in the city's CBD area, used his mobile phone to capture photos of the light show in the area.

"Our generation has not experienced war and backwardness, but witnessed ever-evolving changes and great achievements of our motherland," said Xu in his 30s.

"We should link our fate with that of our motherland and use our own hands to create a brighter future," Xu added.

In Shanghai, the dazzling light show on the high-rise buildings in the Lujiazui area has attracted a large number of viewers, with the facade of some buildings showing the Chinese national flag, fireworks and other National Day-themed images.

On the night of Oct 1, the National Day, tourists battled the wind and rain to watch the light show on the Bund of Shanghai.

"It is particularly meaningful to enjoy this on the National Day," said a tourist, who together with five others drove to Shanghai for the light show from the neighboring city of Suzhou.

Light shows are also being staged in cities including Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Chengdu, Chongqing, Harbin and Urumqi.

"Guangzhou has never been as beautiful as tonight," said Ma Guoqiang, a resident in the capital of Guangdong province, who arrived at the site with his wife more than one hour before the light show.

"Watching red national flags created by lights on buildings along the Pearl River, I feel so proud that our country is becoming better and more powerful," said Ma.