Chengdu Hi-Tech Zone Celebrates 2026 Lantern Festival with a Big Bang

Chengdu Hi-Tech Zone Rings in Lantern Festival

Chengdu, the capital city of Sichuan province, is known for its vibrant culture and rich traditions. Recently, it hosted a spectacular celebration for the 2026 Lantern Festival in the Chengdu Hi-Tech Industrial Development Zone. This event, themed "Full of Vitality, Chengdu My Home," took place on Jiaozi Avenue and showcased a blend of technology, culture, and community spirit.

The highlight of the festival was a breathtaking 52,000-square-meter light show projected onto the twin towers of the Tianfu International Financial Center. This impressive display was divided into three thematic chapters, showcasing elements of intangible cultural heritage and designs inspired by the Year of the Horse. Among the crowd-pleasers was a unique 'enterprise spotlight' segment featuring motivational slogans from nearly 50 key companies located in the zone.

As part of the celebrations, attendees enjoyed a concert that featured artists primarily from various industries within the zone, including electronic information, biomedicine, and digital economy. Notably, the concert made use of artificial intelligence in song creation, further exemplifying the zone's innovation ethos. Intelligent robots also added a futuristic flair to the event, participating actively in the performances.

For the first time, the festival conducted a recruitment drive, with 91 companies offering over 1,300 job positions, both online and offline. This initiative highlights the growing job market within the Chengdu Hi-Tech Zone, which is becoming increasingly attractive to job seekers.

Moreover, as part of the festivities, the local government distributed consumption vouchers worth 1 million yuan (approximately $145,000) during the Lantern Festival. Over the following month, a total of 20 million yuan in vouchers will be spread across 19 product categories to boost consumer spending and support local businesses.

Jiaozi Avenue has not only become a popular destination for locals but also for tourists wishing to experience the vibrant culture of Chengdu. The street became a visual spectacle during the festivities, adorned with over 200 beam lights illuminating the night sky. The theme "Chengdu Lights Up for You" resonated with visitors, offering a sense of joy and celebration.

As midnight approached, residents and tourists gathered to witness the giant screen display their hopes and wishes for the upcoming year. Over 600 messages expressed love for life and aspirations for the future, encapsulating the spirit of Chengdu's community and its open-minded, innovative character.

This vibrant celebration is a reflection of the dynamic nature of the Chengdu Hi-Tech Zone, which is committed to advancing its industrial development and fostering innovation. Recently, the zone reported impressive economic growth figures, with a regional GDP of 366.2 billion yuan in 2025, marking a growth rate of 6.1%. It continues to be a vital part of Chengdu’s economic engine.

In 2025, retail sales reached 114.8 billion yuan, reflecting a year-on-year growth of 4%. Additionally, the fixed asset investment increased by 12.5% to 80.6 billion yuan. The zone currently accommodates over 850,000 skilled professionals, including more than 2,300 high-level talents recognized at various levels.

Notably, the electronic information industry reported a 10% increase in added value, spotlighting its role as an economic pillar for the zone. Emerging industries are also thriving, evidenced by the establishment of Ant Group's AI enterprise service headquarters, which has seen a massive investment of 3 billion yuan. The zone has also birthed landmark projects, such as the world’s first space computing satellite constellation.

Looking ahead, the Chengdu Hi-Tech Zone aims to continue its trajectory of high-quality development, aspiring to become a leader in innovation and industrial transformation. It plans to focus on advancements in seven key areas, including national strategy services and social welfare.

In particular, the electronic information industry will leverage leading enterprises to enhance the assembly of significant upstream and downstream projects. Concurrently, the healthcare sector will pivot towards new frontiers, including innovative pharmaceuticals and gene therapies.

With a strategic vision for the future, the Chengdu Hi-Tech Zone is well-poised to solidify its position as a modern industrial hub, integrating science with industry and fostering a sophisticated governance system that aligns with the latest developmental standards. As the Lantern Festival celebration showed, the zone's vibrant culture will undoubtedly continue to thrive, illuminating the paths of innovation and community spirit well into the future.