Lots of things are happening in Beijing these days, as you probably can imagine. And lots of people are arriving from afar, keen to get right in and immerse themselves in Chinese culture. Many of the first overseas arrivals are journalists.

And they were among the first to view a battalion of terra cotta warriors, in the shapes of lanterns. The lanterns are on display in the Chaoyang district.

The onlookers may have not seen the real terra cotta soldiers. But this phalanx provided a good alternative.

Reporters and correspondents carefully examined the stately warriors, which have become a Chinese cultural icon. Lanterns of course are another easily recognizable image of China, and are indispensable at any Chinese festival.

The lantern warriors in multiple colors, lend delightful variety to the cultural icons of China. There are 102 lanterns. Most capture the images of common soldiers and generals. The women and children round out the collection and add a note of festivity.

This colorful set was created by Wang Yafei, one of the heirs to the intangible heritage art, of the Beijing lantern. Twenty nine other craftsmen share that special distinction.

The exotic lantern warriors will be at the Chaoyang Outdoor Cultural Plaza beginning, August 1st. They are certain to add magic to the evenings, in the final countdown to the Olympics.