Chongqing has launched the most expansive water lantern festival ever seen in western China, transforming the Chongqing Garden Expo into a radiant spectacle of light and cultural celebration. Running through March 22, this immersive event coincides with multiple traditional festivals including Spring Festival, Lantern Festival, International Women’s Day, and the Longtaitou Festival.
The massive exhibition spans an area equivalent to approximately ten city blocks, featuring a stunning 2.8-kilometer illuminated corridor that connects six distinct thematic zones. Visitors can experience nearly 2,000 large lantern installations and more than 7,000 hanging lanterns, with fifteen particularly impressive large-scale sets demonstrating extraordinary artistic craftsmanship.
Event organizers from Chongqing Daily News Group emphasize the festival’s innovative approach to cultural preservation. “This celebration masterfully integrates traditional Chongqing New Year customs with cutting-edge light and shadow technology,” explained a representative. “It simultaneously evokes nostalgic memories of family reunion among local residents while revitalizing folk traditions through contemporary presentation methods. This initiative significantly contributes to the enhancement of Chongqing’s cultural and tourism brand identity.”
The festival represents both a cultural renaissance and a tourism magnet, expected to draw substantial visitor numbers throughout its extended duration. The combination of traditional symbolism with technological innovation creates a unique experience that honors the past while looking toward the future of cultural celebration in western China.