鸣锣开道 ring gongs and beat drums
Explanation
鸣锣开道，原指古代官员出行时，前导人员敲锣以示威仪，让行人避让。现比喻为某种事物制造声势，开辟道路，预示着某种事物即将到来。
Originally, "ringing gongs and beating drums" referred to the way for officials in ancient times, with leading officials beating drums to show dignity and to make pedestrians give way. Today, it is a metaphor for creating a buzz about something, to pave the way, which indicates an upcoming event.
Origin Story
话说唐朝时期，有一位名叫李白的著名诗人，他想去长安参加科举考试。为了显示自己的才华和抱负，他决定以一种盛大的方式进入长安城。于是，他雇佣了一支浩浩荡荡的队伍，队伍中不仅有抬轿子的仆人，还有吹吹打打的乐师，最前面则是一群敲锣打鼓的壮汉，他们一路鸣锣开道，声音震耳欲聋。队伍所经之处，百姓纷纷驻足观看，长安城内顿时热闹非凡。李白就这样在众人的瞩目下，顺利地进入了长安城，开始了他的科举之路。尽管最终他未能高中状元，但这次轰轰烈烈的“鸣锣开道”之举，却成为了长安城里一时佳话，人们纷纷传颂着他那不同寻常的入城方式。
In the Tang Dynasty, there was a famous poet named Li Bai who wanted to take the imperial examinations in Chang'an. To show his talent and ambition, he decided to enter the city in a grand manner. So, he hired a large procession, which included not only sedan chair carriers but also musicians. At the very front marched men beating drums and gongs, creating a deafening noise. People stopped and watched as the procession moved through the city. Li Bai entered Chang'an under the public eye and began his examinations. Although he didn't end up becoming top official, his impressive arrival in Chang'an became a legend, and people told stories of his unusual entrance into the city.
Usage
常用于比喻意义，形容为某种事物制造声势，开辟道路。
Often used in a metaphorical sense, to describe how to create a buzz about something and pave the way.
Examples
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新产品发布会，鸣锣开道，场面十分壮观。
xin chanpin fabu hui, ming luo kai dao, changmian shifen zhuangguan.
The new product launch was announced with great fanfare; the scene was quite spectacular.
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改革开放，鸣锣开道，为中国经济腾飞铺平了道路。
gaige kaifang, ming luo kai dao, wei zhongguo jingji tengfei puping le daolu
Reform and opening up paved the way for China's economic take-off; they were the pioneers.