In the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, the most iconic Lantern Festival tradition with Lingnan flair is Foshan's 400-year-old “Walk Through Tongji Bridge.” This year, millions once again crossed the ancient bridge—windmills and lettuce in hand—hoping for a smooth, trouble-free year ahead.

Back in the late Ming and early Qing dynasties, Foshan was a bustling southern trade hub. On the day of the Lantern Festival, also known as the end of Chinese New Year, locals walk through Tongji Bridge, pray, and then head out to work or start a business. Today, Tongji has grown into a cultural bridge connecting communities across the GBA, bringing people together with shared traditions, wishes, and goals. Boosted by online travel buzz, Tongji Bridge is now a must-visit destination for tourists from around the world—once drawing over a million visitors in a single night.

Colourful intangible cultural heritage lanterns glow overhead, while dragon and lion dances pump up the crowd. Locals pray for prosperity; visitors soak up the festive vibe. Organisers say “Walking through Tongji” has become a cultural icon of Foshan and the Bay Area—welcoming the world to walk the bridge and walk into good luck.