The 2026 Guangdong–Hong Kong–Macao Greater Bay Area Lantern Festival has kicked off in Nansha, Guangzhou. Expats living and working in Nansha arrived with friends and family to stroll through the luminous displays and experience the warmth of Chinese New Year traditions.

As dusk settled, the lanterns glowed to life, drawing crowds into a vibrant tapestry of light and color. Along the 2.5-kilometre pathway, grand installations unfolded themes from "Echoes of the Qin and Han", "Splendors of the Tang and Song" to "Retro Street Scenes", "Floral Deities of Nansha"—each leaving international visitors in quiet admiration.

British visitor:

A lot of co-workers recommended it (the light show) to me. (It’s) absolutely beautiful, (I’m) definitely happy to come.

Russian visitor:

It’s very great, all lantern parts with lights and different shapes are all very beautiful.

The most captivating exhibit was "Galaxy Stroll: A Cosmic Voyage", an immersive walk-through installation spanning more than 45,000 square meters. Visitors wandered through a flowing river of stars, past nine gently glowing planets, toward a radiant base station that narrated the origins of the universe.

Pakistani visitor:

For the kids, it’s very interesting, they have the whole solar system, all the planets. When you come with your family, you can educate your children.

On-site attractions also included food stalls, and outdoor performances, catering to the diverse interests of visitors. The Lantern Festival will run until May 10th, welcoming tourists from near and far to witness the dance of light and shadow and experience the unique charm of the Greater Bay Area.