The 2026 Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Lantern Festival will officially open from Feb. 10 to May 10 at Nansha Tianhou Palace and Nansha Coastal Park in Guangzhou's Nansha district. Spanning 90 days and covering major holidays including the Spring Festival, Lantern Festival and May Day, the event aims to become a flagship cultural tourism attraction for the region. The lantern show began trial operations on Feb. 7, drawing large crowds and igniting early enthusiasm for the New Year season.

After the official lighting ceremony on Feb. 10, nearly 1,000 immersive performances will be staged throughout the exhibition period, continuously elevating the festive atmosphere and offering residents and visitors a light-and-shadow spectacle that blends culture and technology.

The festival site covers about 800 mu, with a 2.5-kilometer main viewing route linking five themed exhibition zones. The displays combine traditional lantern craftsmanship with modern lighting technologies, holographic projection and mist effects, creating a visual experience in which every step reveals a new scene.

To meet different visitor needs, the organizers have designed two recommended touring routes. One route focuses on the most popular lantern displays and photo spots, while the other connects lantern installations with food, markets, light shows and Mazu cultural elements, making it suitable for families seeking a more in-depth experience. Visitor services have also been upgraded, with trackless mini-trains and electric shuttle vehicles operating throughout the park to enhance comfort and accessibility.