Where to Find Authentic Lanterns During Lantern Festival in Beijing

Lantern Festival – the official end of Chinese New Year festivities – is happening tomorrow, but even if you can’t make it to any on the big day, many of Beijing’s Lantern Fest activities will be happening until March.

Here are a few worth checking out:

Solana Blue Harbor Sports Fashion Light Festival

This year marks Blue Harbor’s 14th Lantern Festival, and to celebrate they’ve invited Spanish artist Miguel Angel Camprubi to create a series of vibrant installations.

In addition to these lovable cartoon characters, the festival also showcases a large number of winter sports elements to coincide with the ongoing Olympics.

When: Until Feb 28
Start Time: 6.30pm
Entry: Free

Solana Blue Harbor SOLANA 蓝色港湾
6 Chaoyang Park Road, Chaoyang District
朝阳区朝阳公园路6号

Longqing Gorge Ice Festival

As Beijing’s oldest ice and lantern festival venue, you’ll find quite the illuminated spectacle while visiting Longqing Gorge. Walking about, it’s as if the gorge has been transformed into a magical city of ice, light, and snow.

Centered around the theme of “Synchronizing the holiday with the Winter Olympics,” there are a great many elements meant to do just that. From the Bird’s Nest to mascots to various depictions of winter sports, the Olympic spirit can definitely be found in Longqing. For a brief rundown on how to make the most of your visit, check out our article right here.

When: Until March
Hours: 2pm-10pm
Entry: RMB 100

Longqing Gorge Scenic Area 龙庆峡风景区
North of Gucheng Village, Jiuxian Town, Yanqing District
延庆区旧县镇古城村北

Beijing Shiyuan Park Lantern Festival

Shiyuan Park has taken a different approach to their festivities, with designs that are nothing short of elaborate. Think swimming dragons, birds escaping their cages, and then some.

In addition to these designs, there are also more mellow designs such as a frame in front of a tree and flower-lined path that's perfect for couples, as well as a field of golden wheat at the foot of a “mountain.”

When: Until Feb 28
Hours: 5-9pm
Entry: RMB 20

Beijing Shiyuan Park 北京世园公园
220 Provincial Road West Side, Yanqing District
延庆区220省道西侧

Dayue Chunfeng Li Lantern Show

Daxing Dayue expands further on Lantern Festival's cultural heritage with its own special designs. Spanning an area of 1,500 square meters, you’ll find dreamy designs like leaping fish, birds, and plants.

There are also more dynamic designs to be found here, like rotating lamps and lotus flowers that can open and close as if blooming.

When: Until Feb 28
Hours: 5-9pm
Entry: Free

Dayue Chunfeng Li 大悦春风里
Yard 38 Huangcun East Street, Hongcun Town, Daxing District
大兴区黄村镇黄村东大街38号院

READ: Enjoy a Slightly Different Lantern Festival With This Peanut Butter Tangyuan Recipe

Images: 北京旅游, courtesy of the venues