The 32nd Zigong International Dinosaur Lantern Festival commenced on January 23, 2026, transforming Sichuan province’s historic “salt capital” into a breathtaking panorama of light and innovation. This annual spectacle, renowned for blending ancient Chinese traditions with cutting-edge technology, unveiled its most ambitious installation to date: an awe-inspiring 210-meter-long depiction of the mythical kunpeng creature from Zhuangzi’s philosophical texts.
Spanning ten meticulously curated thematic zones, the festival showcases eleven monumental lantern sets complemented by over 200 smaller displays. Each installation represents a masterful synthesis of traditional artisan craftsmanship, cultural narrative depth, and sophisticated modern illumination technologies. The kunpeng exhibit particularly captivates visitors with its dynamic representation of the legendary transformation from colossal fish to majestic bird, symbolizing boundless potential and metamorphosis.
Beyond the Zhuangzi-inspired centerpiece, the festival incorporates interactive light installations, holographic projections, and environmentally sustainable lighting systems that reduce energy consumption by 40% compared to previous editions. Organizers have integrated augmented reality features allowing visitors to access cultural explanations through smartphone interactions with specific displays.
This year’s event marks a significant evolution from purely traditional lantern exhibitions to immersive technological experiences while maintaining the authentic craftsmanship that earned Zigong its reputation as China’s lantern capital. The festival runs through March and is expected to attract over two million domestic and international visitors, contributing significantly to regional cultural tourism and nighttime economic development.