3 Special lantern festivals to experience the charm of Chinese culture

Editor︰Ryu

Speaking of the Mid-Autumn Festival, surely it wouldn't be complete without admiring the moon and visiting lantern festivals.

Here are 3 great places in the Greater Bay Area, including popular cities like Shenzhen, Guangzhou, and Foshan.

With just a short drive, you can enjoy a Mid-Autumn Festival full of China-chic charm, as if you have traveled back to ancient times, immersing yourself in the colorful Mid-Autumn night!

Shenzhen Splendid China "Moonlit Flower Night" 

Splendid China Folk Village (錦繡中華民俗村) in Nanshan District, Shenzhen, is currently the world's largest miniaturized scenic spot, covering 82 famous attractions nationwide, from natural landscapes to cultural relics, which you can enjoy here. It's like a "Miniature China", which is very unique!

From September 15th to 17th, Splendid China in Shenzhen will hold a 3-day special Mid-Autumn event,
At Splendid China's

Every Mid-Autumn Festival, Splendid China Folk Village in Shenzhen hosts wonderful celebrations. From September 15 to 17, Splendid China will hold a 3-day special Mid-Autumn event, "Moonlit Flower Night" (中秋花月夜), inviting tourists to celebrate the festival.

"Moonlit Flower Night" features a plethora of colorful programs, including a new immersive ancient outfit and make-up themed block where everyone can feel as if they are in a bustling ancient city.

In addition, there are 6 folk experiences and 6 major stunning performances and other activities for participation and enjoyment.

Splendid China Folk Village
At nightfall, the ten thousand lanterns light up the night in Splendid China Folk Village in Shenzhen, bringing about a scene of joyous celebrations, as though it's a grand lantern festival market in ancient times. (Image Source: XiaoHongShu)

At nightfall, the ten thousand lanterns brighten up the night, creating an atmosphere of peace and prosperity. It's a display of the grand spectacle of a traditional Mid-Autumn lantern festival, making people linger and never wanting to leave.

Read More: Mid-Autumn Traditions|Have you enjoyed the lanterns this year?

Yongqing Fang experience "Guangzhou" Style romance

Speaking of the most popular Mid-Autumn destination in Guangzhou,Yongqing Fang (永慶坊) is definitely one of them.

Yongqing Fang is located on Enning Road (恩寧路) in Xiguan (西關), the core area of old Guangzhou. It used to be an old street, retaining many arcade street shops from the late Qing Dynasty.

In recent years, the revitalized Yongqing Fang has transformed, where traditional culture and modern trends collide, becoming a pilgrimage site for young people and internet celebrities in Guangzhou.

The fish lanterns from the previous Mid-Autumn Festival and last year's whale lanterns attracted countless visitors.

On the occasion of Mid-Autumn Festival, Yongqing Fang in Guangzhou has put on a new look. The streets are decorated with traditional Chinese lanterns, and the lanterns are adorned with beautiful Magnolia flower patterns, which are very distinctive.
In Yongqing Fang, the moonlight lantern complements the surrounding purple floral lanterns and butterfly-colored lanterns, creating a dreamy and enchanting atmosphere.
This year, the Mid-Autumn lantern decoration in Yongqing Fang is dominated by a gentle purple tone, filled with floral and butterfly elements everywhere, it looks very beautiful.

Read More: Guangzhou Yongqing Fang|Check out vintage tea shops and explore the most beautiful old street

This year's Mid-Autumn lantern decoration in Yongqing Fang has been set up. Walking into the gate, the first things you see are lanterns covering the lengthy streetscape.

The lantern designs have evolved from giant fish to lovely magnolia flowers and butterflies. The lights are dazzling, as if stepping into a world of flowers, fantastical and enchanting.

Dressed in gorgeous Chinese attire, holding a small lantern in your hand and strolling down Lantern Street, browsing the unique shops and mobile street stalls along the way, and experiencing a Mid-Autumn Festival with Guangzhou characteristics all create a unique flavor.

Don't forget to check out the "Moon Bridge", a popular spot at the end of the road in Yongqing Fang!

Foshan Lingnan Tiandi "Xiao Market" 

Speaking of Mid-Autumn lantern festival, how can we miss out on the traditional fish lantern?

This Mid-Autumn Festival, the themed "Xiao Market" (曉市集) at Foshan Lingnan Tiandi (佛山嶺南天地) has also put on a new look. The market is decorated into a beautiful "Lantern Park".

Whether it' colorful small lanterns, fish lanterns of different shapes, or unique giant hot air balloon lanterns, you can see them all in the "Xiao Market".

Foshan Lingnan Tiandi's "Xiao Market"
At Foshan Lingnan Tiandi's "Xiao Market", various types of lanterns are displayed, such as "Goldfish" and "Koi Carp" themed lanterns and hot air balloon lanterns. The collision of traditional handicrafts and modern trends is unique. (Image Source: XiaoHongShu)

At night, the lights of the "Xiao Market" at Lingnan Tiandi are lit up. Walking through the market, lanterns are swaying everywhere, full of festive atmosphere.

In addition to capturing picturesque lantern displays, there are many stalls in the "Xiao Market" that sell exquisite cultural creativity crafts and retro antiques.

Everyone can enjoy the lanterns while exploring the market and taking home what they love most.

When the night falls, the lanterns of the "Xiao Market" in Lingnan Tiandi light up. Taking a stroll in the market, lanterns are flickering everywhere, making the Mid-Autumn festival atmosphere palpable.
When the night falls, the lanterns of the "Xiao Market" in Lingnan Tiandi light up. Taking a stroll in the market, lanterns are flickering everywhere, making the Mid-Autumn festival atmosphere palpable. (Image Source:XiaoHongShu)

If you want to take beautiful photos of lantern scenery at night, it is recommended to visit Lingnan Tiandi after 5 pm.

The fusion of traditional crafts and modern trends is embodied here, displaying the romance of China-chic. It is a Mid-Autumn visit not to be missed.

Read More: Shenzhen's 3 major trunk-market: Unlocking the charm of "mobile" night market

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