THE 5 MOST BEAUTIFUL LANTERN FESTIVALS TO EXPERIENCE IN CHINA
1. Zigong International Lantern Festival (Sichuan) – The Largest in China
Known as the “Lantern Capital of China,” Zigong hosts every year a festival of breathtaking scale and creativity. Located in Sichuan Province, the city transforms an entire park into a magical wonderland filled with light: 20-meter-long glowing dragons, illuminated imperial architecture, and vivid scenes inspired by legends and mythology.
- Over 130 monumental lantern installations, some fully animated
- Traditional craftsmanship combined with LED technology and 3D mapping
- An immersive, family-friendly experience, ideal for photography lovers
CHINESE NEW YEAR 2026
2. Qinhuai Lantern Festival in Nanjing – Tradition, Poetry, and an Enchanting River
In Nanjing, a former imperial capital, the Qinhuai River becomes the stage for a refined and deeply historical spectacle. The Confucius Temple area (Fuzimiao) is beautifully adorned with red lanterns, illuminated calligraphy, and glowing bridges, creating an atmosphere rich in culture and elegance.
3. Chinese New Year Lantern Festival at Yu Garden, Shanghai – Where Modernity Meets Ancient China
In the heart of futuristic Shanghai, the historic Chenghuangmiao area hosts a vibrant urban celebration each year. Giant lanterns, mythical figures, animated dragons, and contemporary light displays transform the Yu Garden area into a spectacular festival of contrasts.
- The lanes around Yu Garden become an open-air museum of light
- Mechanical lanterns, shadow plays, and festive food stalls
- A unique blend of commerce, craftsmanship, and spiritual heritage
CHINESE NEW YEAR 2026
4. Longmen Lantern Festival in Luoyang – Spirituality an
In the cradle of Chinese civilization, Luoyang hosts a lantern festival each year around the Longmen Grottoes, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Imagine millennia-old Buddha statues softly illuminated by thousands of glowing lights, creating a deeply moving atmosphere.
- A sublime staging that blends heritage, religion, and visual art
- Lanterns shaped like lotus flowers, bodhisattvas, and celestial dragons
- An introspective, emotional experience rooted in profound Chinese spirituality
5. Xi’an City Wall Lantern Festival – Imperial Grandeur by Night
Xi’an, ancient capital of 13 dynasties, celebrates the Lantern Festival by illuminating its legendary 14-kilometer-long city wall. Thousands of lanterns are suspended along the ramparts, accompanied by themed scenes featuring Terracotta Warriors, celestial horses, and Tang Dynasty musicians.
- A monumental spectacle in the atmosphere of an imperial city
- Street performances, traditional dances, and local gastronomy
- One of the most photogenic and awe-inspiring lantern festivals in China