The 40th Qinhuai Lantern Festival officially opened on January 21, 2026, transforming Nanjing's Bailuzhou Park into a radiant showcase of cultural tradition. This year's celebration marks a significant milestone for the 1,700-year-old event, recently recognized as a national-level intangible cultural heritage of China.
Visitors can explore 390 intricate lantern installations along the Qinhuai River, complemented by over 200 cultural activities running through March 31. For the first time, overseas exhibition zones in the Netherlands and France are sharing the Lunar New Year festivities with international audiences, showcasing cross-cultural connections through traditional Chinese craftsmanship.
Local artisans have incorporated modern LED technology into traditional paper-and-silk lantern designs, creating interactive displays that appeal to both heritage enthusiasts and tech-savvy travelers. The festival's expansion comes as China continues to promote cultural tourism, with Jiangsu Province reporting a 15% year-on-year increase in winter tourism bookings.
