Guangzhou's annual Spring Festival Lantern Fair is back—and it's set to dazzle like never before. Featuring an unprecedented scale of illuminated spectacles, this year's lantern fair officially lighted up on January 30 at Yuexiu Park, promising a breathtaking visual feast for residents and visitors alike.

The centerpiece is a 100-metre-long golden "Galloping Horses" lantern installation, emerging dramatically from misty waters, alongside a 20-metre-high Awakening Lion, 85 dazzling lantern sets, and a citywide celebration linking seven major parks across Guangzhou.

Six must-see highlights

1. A 100-metre high "Galloping Horses" installation over water

Hovering above Beixiu Lake in Yuexiu Park, a radiant golden horse appears to break through rolling clouds, followed by shimmering silhouettes of galloping steeds.
The lantern group features nine uniquely posed horses, symbolizing the auspicious meaning of "Nine Horses Bringing Good Fortune." Traditional lotus and water motifs are woven into the design, symbolizing smooth journeys and a bright future ahead.

2. A 20-metre-tall Awakening Lion opens its eyes

At the park's main entrance, a towering Awakening Lion lantern—a nationally recognized intangible cultural heritage—forms a majestic light-and-shadow gateway. With its head held high and eyes opened wide, the lion embodies Guangzhou's bold, enterprising spirit.

3. The golden glow of "Good Fortune and Prosperity"

Inside the main plaza, a gleaming kumquat (known in China as the "year orange") lantern symbolizes luck and abundance. Its base recreates a Qing-dynasty cloisonné-style golden cauldron, delivering heartfelt New Year blessings.

4. The "Thirteen Hongs" that light up

Ever seen a glowing version of Guangzhou's historic trading hub? The "Maritime Trade Culture" lantern set, located near Nanxiu Garden, vividly recreates the bustling streets of the Qing-era Thirteen Hongs, when Guangzhou served as China's sole foreign trade port.

5. Chinese animation meets fantasy light art 
The "Guochao Dimension · Dream Lantern Tower" rises from Beixiu Lake near the Flower Gallery. Inspired by the hit Chinese animation "The Immortal Ascension", the lantern features protagonist Han Li as the core figure, creating a colorful, otherworldly light tower.

6. Beloved animation characters gather in one place
At the North Gate lantern zone, the "Animation All-Star Avenue" brings together 12 popular characters, including GG Bond (Pig Hero) by Winsing Animation, a cultural entertainment company based in Guangzhou, Happy Superman, and Capybara, delighting families and young visitors.

Beyond Yuexiu Park, this year's lantern fair extends across seven additional venues—Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall, Liuhua Lake Park, Orchid Garden, Yunluo Botanical Garden, Guangzhou Zoo, Haizhu Square, and Guangzhou Cultural Park—creating a vibrant, citywide atmosphere of festive lights. 
This Spring Festival, step into a glowing wonderland and experience Guangzhou's most spectacular lantern fair yet.

Event Information

• Venue: Yuexiu Park (越秀公園)
• Dates: January 30–March 8, 2026
• Tickets: Full ticket: 40 yuan; Half ticket: 20 yuan; Spring Festival holiday discount (February 15–23); Full ticket: 32 yuan.
• Transportation:
• Metro Line 2: Yuexiu Park Station (越秀公園站), Exit B1Metro Line 5: Xiaobei Station (小北站), Exit A

Author | Liu Lingzhi

Photo | China Guangzhou Fabu, Guangzhou Yuexiu Fabu

Source：South南方國際傳播中心