Int’l Visitors Spellbound by Expo 2024 Chengdu Park Lantern Show

On February 10, 2026, the 2nd “Northern & Southern Festive Joy at Expo 2024 Chengdu Park” Chinese New Year Lantern Show officially kicked off in parallel with the “Chengdu’s Invitation—Chinese New Year in Chengdu” event. Over 40 teachers, students, and parents from three schools for foreign children in Chengdu immersed themselves in a festive celebration blending northern and southern Chinese New Year traditions.

The lantern show features three core highlights—lantern display, performances, and markets. With over 180 specially designed lantern sets, complemented by themed light shows, themed light and sound performances, featured parades, and over 80 market stalls selling northern and southern Chinese specialties, it offers a comprehensive Spring Festival experience encompassing food, drinks, entertainment, leisure, travel, shopping, and visual delights.
The Hale family from the US was among the first to experience this year’s lantern show. That evening, Chengdu-based teacher Grace, dressed in traditional Chinese attire, explored the lantern zones with her family members, Micah and two children. Immersed in the interplay of light and shadow, Grace shared with her family, “I have lived in Chengdu for years, and I can feel the charm of the Spring Festival culture every year. Colored lanterns are not only displays but also a symbol of Chinese people’s inheritance of traditions.”
Similarly immersed in the festive joy of the lantern show was the six-member Kullmanns family from Switzerland. Chengdu-based teacher Micajah wandered through the lantern show with his family members, Rachael and four children. Following a breathtaking performance of “iron flower” fireworks, the family headed to the Northern & Southern Food Market, having an authentic taste of Chengdu’s Chinese New Year amid the festive bustle. “Chengdu boasts not only profound historical and cultural heritage but also a vibrant lifestyle. It is these qualities that make the city special,” remarked the daughter Aliyah.
A representative from the event organizing team expressed that, through the lantern show and other such initiatives, they hope to create more international living experiences to enable more international friends to feel the warmth of their “home in Chengdu”.
In recent years, Chengdu has expedited the synergistic development of foreign affairs, foreign investment, foreign economy, foreign trade, and foreign publicity campaigns. By strengthening policy facilitation, upgrading services, creating scenarios, and fostering cultural exchanges, the city has established five international schools for foreign children, which have fully addressed the needs for foreign children’s schooling and ensured diverse educational options. These efforts have comprehensively enhanced the city’s international development. In 2025, Chengdu recorded 2.38 million inbound tourist visits, a year-on-year increase of 44.3%, continuing the strong growth momentum seen since 2023. Notably, events related to folk customs and cultural tourism, particularly Chinese New Year lantern shows, are becoming bridges connecting Chengdu to the world.
Source:  HomeinChengdu