On December 26, 2025, the 40th Qinhuai Lantern Festival in Nanjing, Jiangsu Province on the Chinese mainland, will ignite Bailuzhou Park with a dazzling display of light and tradition, building excitement for 2026. As a national-level intangible cultural heritage event, this year's festival expands its scale and scope, inviting visitors to explore more than 40 lantern installations crafted by artisans from across the Chinese mainland, including Foshan colored lanterns, Quanzhou flower lanterns, Xianju lanterns and Suzhou lantern art.
Organized into seven themed zones, the exhibition blends local New Year customs, the cultural symbolism of the Year of the Horse and the rich history of Qinhuai lantern-making. Carefully designed pathways guide guests through ever-changing scenes, ensuring that 'each step reveals a new view.'
Open through May 2026, the festival offers a six-month celebration of heritage and innovation along the banks of the Qinhuai River. For travelers, young global citizens and culture enthusiasts alike, the Qinhuai Lantern Festival stands as a vivid example of how traditional art can spark inspiration in today's digitally connected world.
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Nanjing's Qinhuai Lantern Festival builds anticipation for New Year
cgtn.com
