The 2026 Zigong International Dinosaur Lantern Festival has transformed Sichuan Province into a luminous storybook, with its January 23 opening drawing global attention to this centuries-old tradition. This year's event showcases groundbreaking installations blending modern LED technology with traditional bamboo craftsmanship, featuring characters from classic Chinese legends.
CGTN's Wu Yunliu highlights three standout creations: A 15-meter-tall Mulan lantern demonstrating military precision through synchronized lighting effects, a kinetic Kunpeng sculpture symbolizing Daoist philosophy through undulating wing movements, and an interactive Zodiac corridor where visitors' shadows trigger ancient fortune-telling poetry projections.
The festival coincides with increased cultural tourism to the Chinese mainland, with Sichuan authorities reporting 23% more international bookings compared to 2025. Art historians note this edition's emphasis on narrative-driven installations marks a shift from previous years' focus on pure scale.
Running through March 1, the event features nightly performances of Sichuan opera face-changing acts under the lantern-lit sky. Tourism analysts predict the festival could attract over 2 million visitors, bolstering winter travel economies across southwest China.
