Lanterns are set to light up Zigong, southwest China’s Sichuan Province, as the 32nd Zigong International Dinosaur Lantern Festival opens to the public on 23 January.

Known as the “City of Lanterns” and the “Hometown of Dinosaurs”, Zigong once again blends its renowned lantern-making heritage with modern technology to create an immersive night-time spectacle. Themed “China Illustrated with Lanterns”, this year’s festival features more than 200 lantern installations inspired by Chinese mythology and classic tales, crafted using traditional techniques such as coloured lantern-making, tie-dye and paper-cutting.

Technology adds a fresh dimension, with AI interaction, smart touch controls and light-sensing systems allowing visitors to trigger sound-and-light effects, interact with virtual performers and encounter simulated mechanical dinosaurs.

Highlights include the 180-metre-long “Legend of Mulan”, celebrating courage and patriotism ahead of the Year of the Horse, and the 35-metre-high “Gate of the Chinese Knot”, symbolising a bridge between tradition and modern times.

Source: China Central Television