The Enchanting Opening of the Jinpinghu Lantern Festival at East Lake

On February 7th, as twilight descended upon Pinghu, the scenic pathways along the shores of East Lake were filled with eager visitors, all gathered for the festive opening of the Jinpinghu Lantern Festival 2026. This annual event, celebrated during the Lunar New Year, casts a magical spell over the lakeside, transforming it into a breathtaking spectacle of light as night falls.

At precisely 6:30 PM, a formation of drones took flight over the renowned Li Shutong Memorial Hall, signaling the official start of the evening's festivities. A moment later, announcements rang out announcing the grand opening of the festival. In an instant, 45 themed lantern installations alongside decorative lighting illuminated the area, bathing the lake in a kaleidoscope of colors, setting the tone for the New Year celebrations in Pinghu.

This year's display spans an impressive area of approximately 72,000 square meters, divided into four thematic zones including "Elegant Pinghu" and "Lanterns of Fortune". Crafted by a team from Zigong, a city known for its rich lantern-making heritage, the festival features large installations intertwined with thousands of smaller lights. As visitors meander through the grounds, they are guided not only by the contours of the landscape but also by the enchanting displays themselves, creating an immersive night-time journey.

According to the Pinghu Culture and Tourism Investment Group, the grand opening ceremony marks merely the commencement of a broader program that will run throughout the Lunar New Year celebrations. Special performances are scheduled for select evenings, including a recurring parade titled "Welcoming the God of Wealth," snaking its way through the festival grounds during the holidays. Furthermore, a separate program focusing on traditional arts will take place during the Lantern Festival, featuring performances such as Pipa music in the Pinghu style, thereby enriching the nightly experience with cultural depth.

Collectively, these elements transform the Jinpinghu Lantern Festival into more than just an evening's attraction. The lakeside pathways become a venue for leisurely strolls, spontaneous encounters with live music and performances, and tranquil moments of reflection in the lantern light as Pinghu celebrates the season with a blend of natural beauty, craftsmanship, and long-held tradition.

Indeed, the festival not only brings joy and material beauty but diversifies the experience of the Lunar New Year, inviting the community to gather, celebrate, and appreciate the art of lantern-making along with the vibrant culture of Pinghu. As visitors soak in the atmosphere, they can anticipate new surprises around every corner of this luminous landscape, making the Jinpinghu Lantern Festival a pivotal highlight of their New Year festivities.

Lantern Festival Video

Experience the wonder of Pinghu's cultural heritage as you join in the magic of the lantern display and immerse yourself in the spirit of the Lunar New Year.