The Guangdong–Hong Kong–Macao Greater Bay Area Lantern Festival launched its 2026 edition in Guangzhou on February 6, transforming the city into a luminous tapestry of cultural heritage and cutting-edge technology. Spanning 2.5 kilometers across five themed zones, this year's event features hundreds of lantern installations ranging from galloping horse sculptures symbolizing prosperity to futuristic displays envisioning smart cities.
Daytime activities include traditional tea ceremonies and family-friendly camping experiences, while nights come alive with AI-powered light projections and a miniature train ride through holographic landscapes. A bustling market with over 100 food stalls adds culinary flair to the festivities, which will host nearly 1,000 performances through May 2026.
Organizers emphasize the festival's role in showcasing urban vitality through "three-dimensional cultural expression" – merging ancient customs with VR interactivity and sustainable design principles. The event is projected to attract over 10 million visitors, bolstering tourism and cross-regional collaboration in one of Asia's most dynamic economic hubs.
