Construction underway for Guanshanhu Lantern Festival and Temple Fair

A lantern installation for the 2026 Guiyang Guanshanhu Lantern Festival and Temple Fair is completed. [Photo/Guanshanhu Integrated Media Center]

Construction of the 2026 Guiyang Guanshanhu Lantern Festival and Temple Fair is in full swing, with more than 30 percent of the work already completed. The event will run from Feb 10 to March 8 in Guanshanhu district, Guiyang, capital of Southwest China's Guizhou province.

More than 130 lantern artisans are working in teams to create and install the displays. Several lantern installations are taking shape, transforming design sketches into a visual spectacle that blends traditional craftsmanship with modern aesthetics.

The event, themed "Intangible Cultural Heritage Guizhou New Year," blends Zigong's renowned lantern-making heritage with modern lighting technologies to create a distinctive, mountain-style visual experience unique to Guizhou.

This year's designs integrate the Year of the Horse zodiac motif, local intangible cultural heritage elements, and traditional Spring Festival culture. The festival will feature more than 10 extra-large lantern installations and over 100 smaller pieces, with signature centerpieces including "Nine Gates and Four Towers," known for its dramatic suspended design, and "Eight Galloping Steeds," symbolizing vitality and festive blessings.

Artisans work on a bird-shaped lantern. [Photo/Guanshanhu Integrated Media Center]

The temple fair will also feature 100 selected food vendors, offering a rich and varied culinary experience. Branded food stalls will account for over 50 percent, local specialties for more than 30 percent, and creative snacks for about 20 percent. Visitors can enjoy Guizhou favorites such as sour fish soup and sticky rice porridge, alongside representative dishes from across China.

To enhance the visitor experience, the festival will introduce a curated "Glow Amusement Park" as a central attraction. Nearly 20 interactive art installations – together with photo walls, wishing trees, riddle corridors, and family portrait areas – will immerse visitors in a vibrant festive atmosphere.

Performances will be staged across three venues, supported by a cast of nearly 300 members. More than 20 types of shows – including roaming NPC interactions, ethnic music and dance, and aerial performances – will run daily from 12:30 pm to 9:30 pm, for a total of 48 performances each day.

During the first nine days of the Spring Festival holiday, a "Different Every Day" program will feature a new themed lineup daily, highlighting the rich and varied charm of Guizhou's New Year celebrations.

The framework for the lantern festival exhibits is under construction. [Photo/Guanshanhu Integrated Media Center]