Dazzling Guangzhou lantern display begins countdown to Spring Festival

The 2026 Guangzhou Spring Festival Lantern Show officially kicked off on Friday, bringing vibes to the southern metropolis, known as a "millennium commercial capital".

Themed "Cantonese Rhythm Millennia · One Heart Across the Four Seas", the lantern show, which is simultaneously taking place at Yuexiu Park and seven branch venues in the city, is expected to become a new tourist attraction, drawing many visitors from home and abroad during the Chinese New Year period beginning on Feb 17, according to a statement released by the city government on Friday.

The main venue Yuexiu Park features a total of 85 groups of distinctive lanterns, integrating intangible cultural heritage craftsmanship with modern technology. It will present a light feast for local residents and tourists spanning the entire Spring Festival, the statement said.

Meanwhile, more than 1,200 rich and colorful cultural activities will be held in the park, vividly interpreting Guangzhou's urban character of "integration of ancient and modern, openness and inclusiveness, and upholding integrity and innovation" through all-day, processional and immersive experiences.