• Here are the lantern festivals happening in, or close to Chengdu:
Until March 10:
Tianfu Paradise International Panda Lantern Festival
第53届成都国际熊猫灯会
As a “time-honored brand”, this festival was founded in 1962 – so holds fond memories for generations of local people. The theme of this year’s lantern fair is… “Lantern Festival · New Year in Chengdu” – let’s hope they put more effort into the lanterns, than the name! They’re displaying more than 20,000 lights.
We like their funky modern take on the Chinese lantern: with a huge traditional Chinese ear cleaner, popcorn maker and other on display. Some of the statues even move! Another plus is the location, not too far from Shuangliu airport. There are lots of food stalls and entertainment for the little ones.
Date/ Time:
Until March 10
Daily, 13:00-23:00
Tickets:
Normal: 68RMB/ person
Spring Festival (Feb. 10-25): 88RMB/ person
Venue:
Tianfu Joy Park
天府芙蓉园
Address:
No.69, Section 1, Chuma Road, Wuhou District
武侯区簇马路一段69号
Until February 25:
Wuhou Temple Fair
成都武侯祠大庙会
This is technically a temple fair, not a Lantern festival – but the differences are minor. The fair is a window into the past and a great opportunity to experience local culture and traditions.
The Wuhou Temple Fair is one of the most iconic large-scale Spring Festival themed events in Chengdu, attracting large crowds. The fair includes many traditional elements including a lantern show, cultural performances, food fairs, and cultural exhibitions. Spiritualism and mysticism is trending in China – with many more young people being interesting in temple culture, so expect to see both the young and old showing up here. Be prepared for huge crowds at this prime tourist destination.
Don’t miss the main stage of the Wuhou Temple Fair – where they will show several award-winning performances. Other highlights: AR fantasy world of the Three Kingdoms, cultural performances, featured exhibitions and delicious food.
Date/ Time:
Until February 25
Daily, 09:00-22:00
Tickets:
40RMB/ person
Venue:
Wuhou Shrine Museum 武侯祠博物馆
Address:
Wuhou Temple, No. 233, Wuhouci Street
武侯祠大街231号
Metro:
Line 3 & 5 • Gaoshengqiao
Until March 24:
Dong’an Lake Lantern Festival 东安湖灯会
This lantern festival in Dong’an Lake Park (where the FISU Games were held) is themed with stories of the “Three Thousand Years of Dream Shu Kingdom”. Some people say this is the most impressive lantern show in town this year. It presents a visual feast through a journey from ancient times to the future fantasy time.
Date/ Time:
Until March 24
Daily, 16:00 – 22:30
Tickets:
Until Feb. 25: 128RMB/ person
After Feb. 25: Sun.-Thu. 68RMBpp, Fri.-Sat. 88RMBpp
Venue:
Dong’an Lake Park
成都东安湖国际旅游度假
Address:
No. 22 Tiyu Gongyuan Road, Longquan District
龙泉驿区体育公园路22号
Until February 25:
Chengdu Jinsha Sun Festival 成都金沙太阳节
The lantern show at the famous Jinsha archaeological site is sure to be a story telling delight – as the lanterns here represent many of the precious findings such as the golden sun bird, from the sacrificial time of ancient Chinese sun worship and sun mythology.
If you are after a big dose of ancient Shu history, this is the lantern fair for you.
Date/ Time:
Until February 25th
Tickets:
70RMB per person
Venue:
Jinsha Site Museum 金沙博物馆
Address:
Qingyang District, Jinsha Yizhi Road (Qing Yang Avenue) No. 2
金沙遗址博物馆, 金沙遗址路2号 (青羊大道227号)
Metro:
Jinsha Site Museum, Metro Line 7
Until February 24:
TaiKoo Li Chengdu – Legends of the Year
In front of the main gate of Daci Temple in TaiKoo Li, a giant red dragon leaps out of the pond. The coolest feature is that you can walk amongst the dragons – and take pictures with the dragon up close. For the die-hard dragon hunters, try to also find the hidden dragon in the LV restaurant.
Location:
Taikoo Li Chengdu, Temple Square
成都远洋太古里, 慢广场
Address:
DongDa Street No. 9, Jinjiang District 锦江区东大街9号
Metro:
Chunxi Road, Metro Line 2/3
Time:
Until February 24
Admission:
Free
Until February 24:
Dongmen Lantern Festival
Address:
No. 9 Lingke West Road, Shizishan Street
Metro:
Shizishan Station, Metro Line 7
Time:
Daily, until February 24
Admission:
Free
Until February 24:
Tiexiangsi Waterfront
The biggest pink “Barbie” dragon in the whole country. Perfect for lighting up your Instagram!
Venue:
Tiexiang Temple Riverfront Phase 2 铁像寺水街二期中轴线
Address:
Shenghua North Rd., Gaoxin District 高新区盛华北路116号
Metro:
Metro Line 5, Jincheng Lake station
Time:
Daily, until February 25
(Lifestyle/ craft market during the weekends from 2-9pm)
Admission:
Free
Out of Town:
Until May 3rd: Zigong Lantern Show 自贡灯会
The original (31st!), the biggest and the most famous, it is one of the largest folk cultural activities in China. Zigong’s festival ranks among the top events celebrating heritage in modern times. The most famous and lavish lantern festival near Chengdu, combines classical Chinese art, with state of the art lighting technology. This year a special section is also dedicated to cosplay.
Time:
Until May 3rd
Daily, 18:00 – 22:30
Tickets:
Until Feb. 24: Normal 168RMB, students 98RMB
After Feb. 24: Normal 118RMB, students 80RMB
Venue:
Zigong Lantern Park 中华彩灯大世界
How to get there:
-High speed railway, click here
-2.5 hr buses run from Beimen, Chadianzi Station every half hour (78RMB)
-Around 500RMB by Didi
Address:
Dongyandu Avenue, Da’an District, Zigong
自贡市大安区东盐都大道北侧
