Miyun County in the outskirts of Beijing will not have its annual Spring Festival lantern show this year to avoid a repeat of last year's stampede. A handwriting exhibition will be held instead during the festival days. 

Last February during the lantern show, 37 people were killed and 15 others injured. Two Chinese police officers responsible for the accident were sentenced to three years in prison. 

Since nearly 30 large-scale celebrations will be held in the parks during the festival this year, the municipal government officials have urged local parks to set limits on tourist admission. Emergency measures must be taken to ensure the smooth flow of people in case evacuation is necessary.