On the evening of January 22, 2025, the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Lantern Festival (1.22-3.30) kicked off with a dazzling display of lights. The first visitors to the park witnessed the spectacular moment as thousands of lanterns illuminated the night sky, offering a mesmerizing view of a world lit up by modern technology and traditional art.
"3, 2, 1, Light Up!" With a countdown in the air, lanterns from three major parks—Nansha Puzhou Garden, Nansha Tianhou Temple, and Nansha Seaside Park—simultaneously lit up the night sky. This moment marked the beginning of a breathtaking visual journey, with thousands of lights forming intricate designs that captivated the eyes of onlookers.
The first evening drew crowds of visitors eager to witness the magic. One of the standout features of this year's display is the lantern "The Flower Goddess (簪花女神)," which was set against a serene water-side backdrop. The graceful figure of the flower goddess, depicted in intricate detail, transported visitors to a tranquil water town, offering a beautiful juxtaposition between nature and craftsmanship.
Another popular installation, "The Monkey King," reimagined the famous character of Sun Wukong from Chinese mythology. The lantern's unique dark fantasy style transformed the beloved hero into a mysterious, almost mythical figure, enticing visitors into an otherworldly realm. Meanwhile, "Cyber Lion Dance (赛博醒狮)" blended traditional lion dance with cutting-edge technology and futuristic cyberpunk aesthetics, creating a stunning and unexpected fusion of ancient and modern elements.
Visitors like Ms. Wang, who came from Panyu District with her child, were particularly struck by the intricate craftsmanship of the lanterns. "I've never seen such a grand event before," she said. "It's a great opportunity to introduce my child to the traditions of the Greater Bay Area and let him experience the region's dynamic economic growth. The lanterns are beautifully crafted, and they really showcase the artistry behind China's intangible cultural heritage."
Cyber Parks
The festival is divided into several themed parks, each of which highlights different aspects of the Greater Bay Area's diverse culture and history. In the "Bay Area Scroll · Industrial Leap" park, lanterns celebrate the technological and economic development of the region. The glowing displays capture the spirit of innovation and progress, depicting a bright future for the Bay Area.
The "Maritime Silk Road · International Symphony" park offers visitors the chance to explore the cultures of countries along the Belt and Road, immersing themselves in the exotic charm of faraway lands. Here, lanterns showcase the influence of international exchange and cultural interaction.
In the "Bay Area Memories · Thousand-Year Commerce" park, visitors can experience the region's long-standing history as a bustling trade hub. The park's displays incorporate local traditions, food, and customs, painting a picture of the Greater Bay Area's evolution from ancient commerce to modern economic power. Visitors will be captivated by the mix of historical elements and the contemporary energy of the Bay Area.
The "Youth Unlimited · Trendy Fun Park" brings together the old and the new, fusing cyberpunk styles with modern trends to create a space where fantasy and reality collide. This innovative park invites visitors into a dreamscape of vibrant colors and futuristic designs.
Lastly, the "Gathering in the Bay Area · New Year Celebrations" park is an immersive experience that brings the Chinese New Year to life. Here, visitors can enjoy the rich flavors of local culture, with festive lanterns reflecting the regional "New Year" customs of Guangdong, Hong Kong, and Macau.
9 Stages of Performances
The festival also boasts nine performance stages, offering visitors an exciting mix of traditional and contemporary entertainment. The opening night included a spectacular aerial performance by the team behind the Zhuhai Airshow, showcasing skillful formations that captured the attention of all those in attendance. The flight team formed intricate patterns in the sky, including virtual shapes and festive motifs, which amazed the crowd.
Throughout the festival, visitors will enjoy more than a thousand performances, including Cantonese opera, lion dances, martial arts, and acrobatics. In addition, there will be futuristic performances, such as the "Red Rhythm · Modern Show" and "Pioneering the Future," combining traditional and modern artistic expressions. During the Lunar New Year, special performances themed around "Celebrating Reunion Year," "Immortal Year," and "The Fireworks Year" will highlight the traditional customs of the holiday.
Beyond the visual delights, the festival also features a variety of interactive attractions. Visitors can participate in fun activities like playing the "Lucky Drum," enjoying musical light shows, or trying their hand at writing calligraphy in interactive booths. With more than 50 interactive lanterns, the festival provides opportunities for guests to engage with the art in creative ways.
A Festival of Light
The theme of this year's Lantern Festival is "Shining Glory of China, Vibrant Bay Area," which blends two major elements of Chinese culture—traditional lantern art and the celebration of Chinese New Year. These elements are enhanced by the integration of modern light and shadow technology, creating an artistic feast that represents the spirit of the Greater Bay Area's development. The lanterns not only reflect the region's cultural diversity but also celebrate the thriving cooperation among the "9+2" cities—Hong Kong, Macau, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Zhuhai, Foshan, Dongguan, Zhongshan, Huizhou, Jiangmen, and Zhaoqing.
The festival also emphasizes the spirit of the Belt and Road Initiative, highlighting international collaboration, cultural exchange, and technological progress. The integration of these ideas into the design of the lanterns offers a unique chance for visitors to understand the importance of the Greater Bay Area's role in global development.
This year's event will run until March 30, 2025, lasting for 68 days, with the park open daily from 15:30 to 22:30 (tickets are no longer sold one hour before closing). During this period, the official WeChat account, video platforms, Xiaohongshu, Douyin, and Weibo will provide real-time updates about visitor routes, transportation guides, and local accommodation.
