Kunshan lights up for Mid-Autumn Festival

As Mid-Autumn Festival approaches, Kunshan in East China's Jiangsu province is glowing brighter than ever. The 2026 Cross-Strait (Kunshan) Mid-Autumn Lantern Festival has been underway since Sept 16, with two main venues at Huiju Plaza and Zhouzhuang Ancient Town. Lantern displays at the two venues will run through Oct 7 and Oct 31, respectively.

The lantern installations feature exquisite designs incorporating elements of intangible cultural heritage craftsmanship, offering visitors a visual feast.

AI technology has also been integrated into the lantern displays, allowing visitors to unlock dynamic lighting effects, receive exclusive blessing messages and enjoy other interactive experiences by scanning QR codes with their mobile phones or touching the light installations.

During the festival, a series of engaging activities are being held, including a lantern design competition, live music concerts, and cultural and artistic performances.

In Zhouzhuang Ancient Town, a range of activities blending the lantern festival with the charm of water-town life are being staged, including lantern boat parades and water fountain shows.

"The night of Zhouzhuang looks entirely different from the day," said Sergio Salazar from Colombia. "The magic of the moon reflecting on the water, together with the lantern festival, brings the town to life."

Other major scenic spots across Kunshan, including Bacheng Old Street, Qiandeng Ancient Town and the Dayu Bay area, have also launched themed lantern displays, transforming the city into a shimmering wonderland of lights.