Lantern Festival (Yuanxiao)

When: 15th day of the Lunar New Year, a movable date that usually falls in February.

Where: Celebrated across China (nationwide).

Cost: Most street and temple-fair activities are free; large lantern exhibitions or museum shows may charge admission.

Don’t miss: Evening lantern displays, the traditional lantern-riddle guessing, and tasting tangyuan (sweet glutinous rice balls).

The Lantern Festival (Yuanxiao) marks the end of the Spring Festival period and has been observed for over two millennia. Roots combine imperial court rites, Buddhist temple ceremonies and folk customs that coalesced into public street celebrations by the Han and Tang eras.

Across China the atmosphere is communal and nocturnal: parks, temple grounds and pedestrian streets host ornate lantern displays, community-made sky and hand-held lanterns, dragon and lion dances, and vendors selling seasonal snacks. Some cities stage major concentrated shows - for example Zigong in Sichuan is famous for large-scale themed lantern exhibitions, while capital cities like Beijing and Shanghai hold vibrant temple fairs and nighttime light trails.

The festival falls on the 15th day of the first lunar month, so the Gregorian date moves each year (usually in February). Its timing is fixed by the lunisolar calendar rather than the Western calendar, meaning the whole day is treated as a climax of the New Year period.

Events build through the afternoon and reach full intensity after dark: lantern displays and riddle-guessing run into the evening, and some places continue fireworks, parades and late-night temple-fair activity until late night.

Fly into a major international hub such as Beijing, Shanghai or Guangzhou then use China’s extensive high-speed-rail network or short domestic flights to reach regional celebrations; large cities are easiest to access by train. Arrive at least one to two days early and book trains, flights and accommodation well in advance because Spring Festival travel creates heavy demand.

• In China many cities restrict releasing sky lanterns for safety and air-quality reasons; follow local rules and never release a lantern where banned.
• Dress for cold evenings in February: layers, a warm coat and comfortable shoes for walking on often crowded streets.
• Expect large crowds and limited taxi availability; have the festival address in Chinese on your phone and use pre-booked rail or metro options.
• Try tangyuan at temple fairs, but buy from busy stalls to ensure freshness; carry small change as some vendors are cash-preferred.
• Be cautious with fireworks and open flames around lantern displays - keep a safe distance and supervise children.
• If you plan to photograph displays, be mindful of local etiquette around worship at temples and avoid using drones, which are commonly restricted.