Zigong lanterns to light up Beijing this autumn

Beijing is set to experience its largest-ever lantern festival this autumn, as the renowned Zigong Lantern Festival from Sichuan Province brings its stunning display of traditional Chinese artistry to the capital.

The 2024 Beijing Mid-Autumn and National Day Lantern Festival will take place from September 14 to October 31 at the Beijing Garden Expo Park, marking a cultural celebration of unprecedented scale and significance. This grand event is part of the festivities commemorating the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China.

Zigong - 'Lantern Capital of the World'

Zigong, a city located in southwest China's Sichuan Province, is often referred to as the "Lantern Capital of the World." For centuries, Zigong has been celebrated for its unparalleled craftsmanship in lantern-making, a tradition deeply rooted in the region's rich cultural history. The city's expertise in this art form dates back to the Tang (618-907) and Song (960-1279) dynasties, when lantern festivals became a popular form of entertainment and cultural expression in China.

The city's artisans have mastered the art of combining traditional techniques with modern technology, allowing them to produce lanterns that are not only visually stunning but also structurally innovative. This long-standing tradition and commitment to excellence have earned Zigong its reputation as a global leader in lantern artistry.

A cultural milestone

The Zigong Lantern Festival is recognized as a national intangible cultural heritage, famous for its intricate designs and vibrant displays. At a press briefing on Friday, the organizer, Beijing Jingcai Culture Co., Ltd., said the upcoming event in Beijing will feature over 200 large-scale lantern installations across nine themed areas, covering a massive 600-acre exhibition space within the park, with some installations set to break records as the largest lantern structures ever exhibited in Beijing.

What makes this festival particularly special is its fusion of Zigong's traditional lantern craftsmanship with elements of Beijing's rich cultural history. Approximately 70 percent of the lantern designs are inspired by Beijing's cultural and humanistic classics, creating a unique blend that honors both the capital's heritage and Zigong's lantern-making legacy.

A historical connection

This festival also marks a significant return to Beijing for the Zigong Lantern Festival. In 1988, the first Zigong lantern exhibition outside Sichuan was held at Beihai Park in Beijing, where it drew immense crowds and left a lasting impression on the city. This year's event, held in the Year of the Dragon, symbolizes a 36-year-long journey of cultural exchange and artistic evolution. It serves as both a tribute to Beijing and a celebration of the deep cultural ties between the two cities.