Zhuang Shengjuan (front, middle), an intangible cultural heritage inheritor of Dunhuang paper-cutting, showcases paper-cutting clothing creations with children at a cultural venue in Dunhuang, Gansu province, on Sunday, ahead of the Chinese New Year, which will fall on Feb 17. [Photo by Zhang Xiaoliang/For China Daily]
Spreads the melodies of a flute, shines the full light of the moon,
Underneath, fish and dragon lanterns dance through the night.
...
All at once, I turned,
There she is, where the lantern light is dimly shed.
These lines from Qing Yu An, the celebrated work of 12th century poet Xin Qiji, have been cherished for centuries as a tribute to pure love. They also vividly bring to life the Lantern Festival, which is celebrated on the 15th day of the first month of the Chinese calendar.
Such is the popularity of the festival that, even in today's digital age, lantern fairs have the power to draw people out of their homes to enjoy the festive atmosphere and indulge in real-life interactions.
To celebrate this enduring tradition and light up the capital's nightlife ahead of the Year of the Horse, which begins on Feb 17, the Chinese Traditional Culture Museum on Beijing's Central Axis has unveiled its third annual fair featuring colossal colored lanterns, both outside and inside its main building. The lanterns will be on display through March 3.
Wang Chenyang, Party secretary of the Chinese Traditional Culture Museum, said that lantern fairs, often large and officially organized, have been an inseparable part of Chinese New Year celebrations for centuries. Historical records show that as early as the Southern Dynasty (420-589), the imperial capital of Nanjing hosted Lantern Festival fairs, believed to be the earliest of their kind.
Many of the lanterns on display at the museum this year are themed around the horse, showcasing the intricate craftsmanship of artisans from Zigong, Sichuan province. Zigong is renowned for its long history of lantern-making, characterized by complex structures and innovative techniques, now boosted by modern technology. For example, some flower-shaped lanterns on display are powered by machines to mimic the blooming of real flowers, while dynamic lighting effects have added a futuristic touch, such as a horse lantern with flashing glasses.
The lantern display exemplifies the popular daka trend, where young people visit locations specifically to take photos and share them on social media. This enthusiasm underscores the enduring appeal of traditional celebrations in a rapidly evolving digital age.
B9 Studio, founded by young artists, recently launched a 2026 Global Festival Art Calendar that sheds light on the allure of festive traditions, both in China and worldwide, through a Gen Z's lens.
In December 2024, Spring Festival, described as social practices of the Chinese people in celebration of the traditional new year, was added to UNESCO's Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. This recognition spurred efforts to preserve and revitalize Chinese New Year traditions through exhibitions, forums and creative products.
At least seven museums in Beijing are set to unveil exhibitions centered around New Year customs and the Year of the Horse. Major institutions like the National Museum of China and the Capital Museum are preparing large exhibitions to enhance the festive experience.
Xiao Fang, a professor of folklore studies at Beijing Normal University, highlighted the vital role of Spring Festival and its related activities. Its importance, he said, extends beyond family reunions to encompass community building. It unites members of newly formed communities who have migrated from different regions in China's urbanization process.
