Beneath Nanjing's ancient Ming Dynasty city walls, artisans are putting final touches on a spectacular 15-meter leaping horse lantern that will serve as the centerpiece for the 2026 Qinhuai Lantern Festival. This year's event marks four decades since the festival's modern revival, blending centuries-old craftsmanship with contemporary design.
The equine masterpiece, constructed from silk and bamboo, symbolizes vitality and progress as it prepares to illuminate the Laomendong cultural district. Festival organizers confirm this will be one of 400 installations showcasing China's lantern-making heritage during the Spring Festival celebrations.
Since its 1985 reintroduction, the festival has drawn over 150 million visitors, becoming a cornerstone of cultural preservation. 'This 40th edition represents both continuity and innovation,' says Cultural Heritage Director Li Wei. 'We're using energy-efficient LED systems within traditional paper lantern frameworks to honor our ancestors while embracing sustainability.'
The month-long event is expected to boost Nanjing's winter tourism by 35%, with hotels already reporting 80% occupancy for the opening week. International visitors can participate in lantern-making workshops and night cruises along the Qinhuai River's glittering waterways.
