If you were to ask me where the most beautiful lanterns in China can be found, the answer would undoubtedly be Zigong, a city nestled in the southern region of Sichuan Province. In China, no city quite matches Zigong in elevating lantern art to such unparalleled heights. Here, every lantern embodies the millennia of wisdom flowing from the artisans' fingertips. Every beam of light narrates the romantic legend unique to this " Lantern City of China." If you have yet to witness the night of Zigong, then your travel list is undoubtedly missing its most dazzling hue.?

1.Thousand-year-old lantern shadow, inheritance of non-heritage craftsmanship

Zigong Lantern's history could back to Tang Dynasty and Song Dynasty. During the Ming and Qing Dynasties due to the salt industry in Zigong is flourishing, the lantern industry shines brightly. Those rich salt merchant, use the most exquisite lighting to decorate house, use the brightest lantern to show their strength.

In 2008, Zigong Lanterns were inscribed into the second batch of National Intangible Cultural Heritage. The craftsmanship passed down through generations of artisans endows each lantern with the profound elegance and vitality of Chinese culture. These Lanterns, not only the light but also the crystallization of art. With bamboo strips as its frame and silk as its skin, colorful paintings depict a myriad of scenes. Walking into Lantern Museum, you can witness how artisans transform the mythical world of 《Journey to the West》, the heroic legends of 《Romance of the Three Kingdoms》, and even the graceful charm of Dunhuang's flying apsaras into luminous legends within lanterns.?

2.The first lantern in the world: Zigong International Dinosaur Lantern Festival 2025

Every winter, Zigong will transform into the BEST PLACES TO TRAVEL IN CHINA. Zigong International Dinosaur Lantern Festival has the largest scale, the latest creation and the most exquisite craftsmanship, known as "the first Lantern Festival in the world." Walking through the Lantern Festival, it's like being in a dream.

Spectacle of Lanterns?: The ten-meter-tall " Twin Beauties of QingCheng" lantern installation dazzles with its breathtaking artistry, while countless smaller lights converge into a celestial river of starts. Each themed zone transports you between virtual and real worlds, and the colossal peacock lantern display dominates an entire mountainside--every corner is a photographer's paradise.

Clash of technology and tradition?: AR interaction make tourists witness "The peacock spreads its splendid tail feathers", the mechanical T-Rex brings the ancient ruler of Earth roaring back to life.

A fresh theme every year: From the theme of "Future City" in 2022 to the theme of "dream light" in 2023, ?from the theme of "Chinese civilization" in 2024 to the theme of "The Grandeur of a Flourishing Age?" in 2025, Zigong Lantern Festival always give you a sense of freshness.?

3.Not only the lantern, but also the day and night of Zigong

At daytime, Zigong is also wonderful:

Explore the Dinosaur Kingdom: ?At the Zigong Dinosaur Museum(one of the world's three major dinosaur fossil sites), come face-to-face with prehistoric giants from hundreds of millions of years ago and experience the awe of the Jurassic era.

Savor the Flavors of Salt-Borne Cuisine:If you love authentic Sichuan cuisine, Zigong's bold flavors will leave you craving more. From the numbing-spicy "Chilled Rabbit in Mala Sauce" to silky-smooth "water-boiled beef", every bite makes your taste buds dance.

Stroll through the millennia-old salt capital: Walking into the salt industry history museum, you can see the glory of ancient salt merchants; and at Shen HaiJing where still keep the craftsmanship of making traditional salt, witness how ancient innovators extracted brine from deep underground--and see with your own eyes how it transformed into glistening white salt crystals.

As night falls, the city ignites in a blaze of lights: the dazzling main venue of the Zigong Lantern Festival, the "Light and Shadow Gallery" along the Fuxi River, the cozy lantern markets in ancient alleys.... transforming the entire city into a "sleepless kingdom of light." Glide down the Fuxi River on a traditional awning boat, where shimmering reflections dance upon the water, creating a dreamlike wonderland between reality and fantasy.?

4.Travel tips: How to travel around Zigong Lantern Festival

The best viewing period: From December to May of the following year, The liveliest time is around Chinese New Year?? (though we recommend avoiding the peak days from Lunar New Year's Day to the 7th).

Must-experience items: Pose with dazzling lantern installations and immerse yourself in breathtaking visual spectacles. Create your own mini lantern with your hands and take home a glowing piece of Zigong's blessings. Taste special food in Lantern Festival, such as "Lantern-Light Beef", "Glowing Sugar Lanterns".

Traffic guide: Zigong is conveniently located just a 2-hour drive from Chengdu, with direct high-speed rail access. During the Lantern Festival, special night shuttle buses operate for seamless transportation.?

Always a lighting lantern waiting for you. Zigong's Lantern Festival is more than a visual spectacle--it's a cultural immersion, a soul-stirring experience. This May Day holiday, embark on this luminous journey and let these radiant lanterns illuminate your memories.

If your schedule won't permit this year, let's make a date for winter 2025. The will be waiting--we won't let you miss it.

If your schedule won't permit this year, let's make a date for winter 2025. The Zigong Lantern Festival will be waiting--we won't let you miss it.

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