The Lantern Festival in China is one of the most enchanting cultural celebrations.

It marks the end of the Spring Festival season with a spectacular light display and traditions.

This event is celebrated with colourful lanterns, festive food, and symbolic rituals.

It reflects a deep-rooted heritage that blends ancient beliefs and wishes for good fortune.

Read on to discover everything you need to know about the Chinese Lantern Festival.

The Lantern Festival celebrates the first full moon of the lunar new year and marks the official close of the Spring Festival in China.

Also known as Yuanxiao Festival, it's held on the 15th day of the lunar year's first month.

During this period, people light lanterns of different shapes and sizes, as well as decorate them with intricate patterns or riddles.

The round-shaped glutinous rice balls known as tangyuan or yuanxiao are also a key part of the celebration, symbolising unity and wholeness.

More than just a spectacle of lights, the Chinese Lantern Festival China is a cultural moment steeped in symbolism, history, and seasonal renewal.

However, like some other holidays, this festival also has different definitions in many countries.

For example, a familiar term for people outside China is the Chinese Lamp Festival or the Chinese Mid Autumn Festival Lanterns.

The Lantern Festival China dates back over 2,000 years and has evolved through dynasties while maintaining its core traditions.

Its origins are closely tied to the early promotion of Buddhism during the Eastern Han Dynasty. 

Emperor Han Ming was said to have ordered lanterns to be lit in temples to honour Buddha, which quickly spread to homes and imperial spaces.

Another popular tale involves the Jade Emperor, who planned to destroy a village but was deceived when the villagers lit red lanterns to mimic a fire.

Believing the village was already burning, the emperor called off the attack.

From such legends and religious beginnings, the festival gradually developed into a significant cultural celebration.

By the time of the Sui Dynasty, the scale of the event had grown substantially.

Lanterns made of colourful glass and even jade were introduced, often featuring images from ancient Chinese lantern stories or folk tales.

Festivities expanded to five days during the Song Dynasty, and they lasted up to ten days by the Ming Dynasty.

The downtown area of Beijing once served as the main site for lantern displays, a location still referenced today as Dengshikou.

Over time, the Lantern Festival China spread its cultural influence worldwide.

Events like the Zigong Lantern Festival, named after the Sichuan city, showcase the modern scale of the celebration.

Today, lantern exhibitions can be found not only across China but in cities around the world.

The Lantern Festival China usually falls between early February and early March.

This date marks the final celebration of Chinese New Year and Lantern Festival traditions.

The festival was held on February 12th in 2025, while it is expected to fall on March 3rd in 2026.

The timing varies from year to year based on the lunar calendar, but the essence of the celebration remains consistent.

It is a fitting conclusion to the China Spring Holiday, symbolising brightness, reunion and new beginnings for the people.

The Lantern Festival China is widely celebrated with traditional and modern customs.

Whether in a small village or a major city, the air is filled with festivity, warmth and lights.

While many join the celebrations in person, others take part through smaller family-based rituals or local community events.

The most iconic activity of the Chinese Lamp Festival is lighting lanterns.

Traditionally made from paper and wood, these lanterns are now often electric but still reflect ancient Chinese lantern craftsmanship.

Designs range from animals and plants to legendary figures.

The lanterns are usually red, a symbol of good luck, and are often seen hanging in streets, temples, and homes.

A tradition since the Song Dynasty, solving riddles attached to lanterns is entertaining and intellectually engaging.

Known as "guessing lantern riddles", this custom encourages interaction among festival-goers. 

Those who solve the riddles may even receive small prizes.

These sweet rice balls are an essential dish for the Chinese New Year Festival of Lanterns.

Stuffed with sesame paste, peanuts or red bean, they symbolise family unity and happiness.

They are known as tangyuan in southern China, but referred to as yuanxiao in the north.

Regardless of the name, their round shape reflects the idea of togetherness.

These traditional folk performances are a spectacular feature of the China Festival of Lights.

The dragon is a symbol of strength and good fortune, while the lion is said to ward off evil spirits. 

Performed to the beat of drums and gongs, these dances can create a celebratory atmosphere.

Larger cities host grand parades, fireworks displays, and cultural performances that bring communities together.

Chinese Lantern Day is also a time when New Year taboos are lifted, and decorations are taken down to signify a fresh start.

Held in Sichuan Province, the Zigong Lantern Festival is one of the most famous in the country. 

Known as the birthplace of modern lantern displays, Zigong transforms into a sea of lights each year to attract thousands of visitors.

This popular destination hosts elaborate lantern displays, including mythological scenes and traditional tales.

The combination of classical Chinese architecture and glowing lanterns makes for an enchanting experience.

Nanjing’s lantern fair along the Qinhuai River is a cultural delight.

It’s another major destination during the Chinese Lantern Day.

During this time, lanterns float on water and line the streets to create a magical riverside view.

For those interested in historical relevance, visiting Dengshikou in Beijing connects you with the imperial roots of the Lantern Festival.

Though the area is now more urbanised, it still carries echoes of its rich past.

In recent years, many international cities have hosted their own versions of the Lantern Festival.

Notable examples include the Auckland Lantern Festival in New Zealand and the North Carolina Chinese Lantern Festival in the United States.

These events preserve the essence of the festival while adding local cultural elements.

For other countries and regions where the Chinese New Year is celebrated but not an official holiday, see the table below:

Travelling during the Lantern Festival in China can be unforgettable if you plan it properly.

Here are some useful tips to ensure a smooth and enjoyable trip:

The China Spring Holiday Season is one of the busiest times for travel.

Flights and hotels fill up quickly, so it is best to secure bookings at least a month in advance.

Although the festival is lively, evenings can still be cold, especially in northern China.

Therefore, don’t forget to dress in layers and bring a warm jacket.

Guided tours often include historical background and access to exclusive lantern shows.

They can also help you navigate through large crowds and find the best viewing spots.

As with many cultural events, it's important to be courteous.

Avoid pushing in crowds, and refrain from touching or damaging the lanterns.

Saying “元宵节快乐” (Yuánxiāo jié kuàilè) or “Happy Lantern Festival” shows respect for local culture and adds to the festive mood.

You may also hear people say “团团圆圆” (Tuántuán yuányuán), which means “family reunion and happiness”.

Overall, it’s easy to understand that the Chinese Lantern Festival in Chinese New Year goes beyond simple visual pleasure.

It offers a chance to reflect, reconnect with loved ones, and honour age-old customs.

Whether witnessing a display in Zigong or strolling through Chinese Moon Festival lanterns, the celebration continues to shine through generations.

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