Monkey King–inspired ice world lights up Beijing's Longqing Gorge

The 40th Longqing Gorge Ice Lantern Art Festival opened in dazzling fashion on January 15, transforming the scenic area into a dreamlike ice world inspired by the classic Chinese animated film "The Monkey King: Havoc in Heaven." Drawing on the film's iconic imagery, the festival recreates legendary scenes from the story in ice and snow, blending animation nostalgia with winter artistry.

Centered on the animation, the ice sculpture zone features more than 20 large ice installations and over 150 ice sculptures. Highlights include a towering 13.6-meter-tall "Southern Heavenly Gate," the "Lingxiao Palace," and a "Peach Banquet" rendered in shimmering ice and light. Special screening points showcase famous scenes from the animation, bringing the static ice sculptures to life through dynamic lighting and projections.

Beyond the ice sculpture area, the outdoor lantern displays add to the spectacle. Eighteen large themed lantern sets and around 180 smaller light installations are designed to illuminate the night, shifting colors to create vivid, animated scenes. The festival will run through early March. To mark its 40th edition, visitors born in 1987 can enjoy free admission by presenting their ID, celebrating their milestone year alongside the four-decade-old ice lantern tradition.