Lantern Festival

2025 - 2 - 12

Light Up Your Life: Exploring the Enchantment of the Qingdao Lantern Festival!

Auckland - Chinese New Year - cultural celebrations - dragon dance - glutinous rice balls - Lantern Festival - Qingdao - traditional Chinese customs

Immerse yourself in the magic of the Qingdao Lantern Festival, where radishes are the stars and lights twinkle with delight! 🎆🥕✨

As the sun dipped below the horizon on Sunday, the historic streets of Shibei district in Qingdao, Shandong province, came alive with the vibrant colors and twinkling lights that heralded the opening of the 2025 Qingdao Lantern Festival Fair. This centuries-old celebration, deeply rooted in Chinese tradition, transforms the local landscape into a magical wonderland filled with enchantment and merriment. Families and friends gather to enjoy spectacular lantern displays, a feast for the senses that signals the arrival of spring and the joy of reunion.

At the heart of this year's festivities is the unique incorporation of local produce, particularly the famed Qingdao radish which has earned a reputation for being as crisp and juicy as the atmosphere at the festival! Visitors can also indulge in traditional Yuanxiao dumplings and Tangqiu, enhancing the celebratory mood with delicious local flavors. With each radiant lantern sparkle, attendees are not just honoring old customs but also tasting the rich heritage that thrives within this vibrant coastal city.

As night falls, the wonderful sight of golden lanterns drifting in the soft cool breeze sets the mood for enjoying various performances, including traditional Chinese music and dazzling dance acts. Children giggle with glee as they follow dotted paths lit by lanterns, quick to snap selfies and make memories that will last long after the lights go out. Special activities are lined up to ensure everyone gets a taste of the fun—from crafts to games—promising a wholesome experience for families searching for a delightful outing.

The fair stands out as a place where tradition meets modernity, making it a must-visit for anyone wishing to dive deep into local culture while enjoying the charm of shiny lanterns. With each corner illuminated and every radish gnawed on, it's clear that the Qingdao Lantern Festival is not just a treat for the eyes but also a feast of culture and community.

Did you know that the Lantern Festival dates back to the Han Dynasty (206 BC - 220 AD)? It's a time to mark the first full moon of the lunar year, symbolizing the return of spring and family harmony. Fun fact: the vibrant red hue of the lanterns signifies good luck and prosperity, making this festival not just a visual treat, but a meaningful celebration of hope and renewal!

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Image courtesy of "China Daily"

Centuries-old Qingdao Lantern Festival Fair opens at Haiyun'an ... (China Daily)

The Haiyun'an branch of the 2025 Qingdao Radish, Yuanxiao and Tangqiu Fair kicked off on Sunday in Shibei district of Qingdao, Shandong province.

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Image courtesy of "RNZ"

Demand for tickets to Auckland's Lantern Festival surges (RNZ)

Almost 90 percent of online tickets to the four-day event that begins Thursday have already been snapped up, organisers say.

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Image courtesy of "China Daily"

Festive China: Lantern Festival (China Daily)

The Lantern Festival falls on the 15th day of the first month on traditional Chinese calendar, which is Feb 12 this year. Its arrival also marks the end of ...

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Image courtesy of "Global Times"

ICH celebrations light up Lantern Festival across China - Global Times (Global Times)

With the upcoming Lantern Festival, which falls on Wednesday in 2025, cities across China are pulling out all the stops to celebrate it with a variety of ...

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Image courtesy of "Hong Kong Standard"

Carnival Gala Night to celebrate spring lantern festival (Hong Kong Standard)

The Chinese New Year Lantern Carnival Gala Night, which will feature an array of exceptional performances and activities, is scheduled to ta...

Discover the charms of Lantern Festival with Yuanxi (China Daily)

Join China Daily's Yuanxi in celebrating this Lantern Festival to wander through illuminated streets flickering with history and to enjoy a bowl of glutinous ...

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Image courtesy of "Xinhua"

Various activities held across China to celebrate upcoming Lantern ... (Xinhua)

People perform dragon dance during an event celebrating the Lantern Festival at Yuanshi County in the city of Shijiazhuang, north China's Hebei Province, ...

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Image courtesy of "PR Web"

CGTN AMERICA & CCTV UN: CMG Unveils Promotional Video for ... (PR Web)

PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- CGTN America & CCTV UN releases "CMG Unveils Promotional Video for 2025 Lantern Festival Gala" China Media Group is set to host the ...

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Image courtesy of "Anhui News"

【网络中国节·元宵】Celebrate the Lantern Festival - Embrace the ... (Anhui News)

Indulge in the sweetness of yuanxiao, traditional glutinous rice balls filled with red bean paste, sesame paste, or other delightful fillings. The round shape ...

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Image courtesy of "Chinadaily USA"

Lantern Festival celebrations aboard high-speed train (Chinadaily USA)

Railway employees introduce Lantern Festival's traditions, engage passengers in festive activities and extend warm greetings on high-speed train G308, ...

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Image courtesy of "People's Daily Online"

Trend Tracker: Foodie Frenzy for Lantern Festival - People's Daily ... (People's Daily Online)

Hello, everyone! I'm Kuku, a total foodie! Today is the Lantern Festival, and in this Chinese Trad.

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Image courtesy of "People's Daily Online"

The Lantern Festival: A cultural journey - People's Daily Online (People's Daily Online)

This vibrant color is seen all around China during the Spring Festival, from clothes stores to city streets. The Chinese Spring Festival culminates with the ...

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Image courtesy of "The State Council of the People's Republic of China"

Various activities held across China to celebrate upcoming Lantern ... (The State Council of the People's Republic of China)

People perform dragon dance during an event celebrating the Lantern Festival at Yuanshi County in the city of Shijiazhuang, north China's Hebei Province, Feb. 9 ...

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Image courtesy of "Hong Kong Standard"

More than 200 couples tie the knot during Lantern Festival (Hong Kong Standard)

According to figures from the Immigration Department, 223 couples tied the knot today, with bookings for the marriage registry in Tseung Kwan O all snapped up ...

Low-sugar, low-calorie glutinous rice dumplings prove new Lantern ... (People's Daily Online)

SHENYANG, Feb. 12 (Xinhua) -- In Shenyang, northeast China's Liaoning Province, the bustling Chinese.

State Grid Kuitun Power Supply ensures safe, joyous Lantern Festival (China Daily)

"There will be a huge crowd on the Lantern Festival. We must conduct a thorough inspection and not overlook any potential hazards.

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Image courtesy of "Chinadaily USA"

From dragons to drums, Lantern Festival in Fujian (Chinadaily USA)

Province's traditions brought to Beijing to enliven city's celebrations this year. The Lantern Festival celebrations in Liancheng county, Longyan, ...

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Image courtesy of "Xinhua"

Lantern fairs held in Beijing to mark Lantern Festival (Xinhua)

People visit a lantern fair at Beijing Garden Expo Park in Beijing, capital of China, Feb. 10, 2025. Two major lantern fairs are held in Beijing to mark the ...

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Image courtesy of "Surinenglish.com"

Chinese lantern festival will not return to popular Malaga park ... (Surinenglish.com)

The promoters of the three-month-long private event have additionally said that they are dissatisfied with the number of visitors and revenue and they will ...

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Image courtesy of "Global Times"

China's traditional Lantern Festival extends holiday spending spree ... (Global Times)

China's consumption during the Lantern Festival, which fell on Wednesday this year, extended the spending fever seen over the just-concluded Spring Festival ...

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Image courtesy of "The Moodie Davitt Report"

cdf Haikou launches promotional campaign to mark Lantern Festival ... (The Moodie Davitt Report)

Offering an immersive experience for visitors, the marketing campaign features flash mob performances, traditional Chinese design elements, ...

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Image courtesy of "Travel Weekly"

2025 Taipei Lantern Festival lights up Ximending - Travel Weekly (Travel Weekly)

The 2025 Taipei Lantern Festival kicks off with a grand opening ceremony in Ximending on the evening of 2 February.

Thousands in Taiwan and China celebrate the Lantern Festival with ... (WOWK 13 News)

NEW TAIPEI, Taiwan (AP) — Thousands in Taiwan and China celebrated the Lantern Festival on Wednesday by releasing paper lanterns into the night sky, ...

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Image courtesy of "Focus Taiwan News Channel"

President Lai opens 2025 Taiwan Lantern Festival - Focus Taiwan (Focus Taiwan News Channel)

President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) on Wednesday opened the 2025 Taiwan Lantern Festival for the Year of the Snake in Taoyuan, lighting up this year's main ...

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Image courtesy of "RNZ"

'Friendly' snakes to steal spotlight at Auckland Lantern Festival (RNZ)

More than 185000 visitors are expected to attend the dazzling four-day event at Manukau Sports Bowl from 13-16 February.

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Image courtesy of "ecns"

Asian Winter Games gold medalists send Lantern Festival blessings ... (ecns)

(ECNS) -- Chinese gold medalists Feng Junxi and Wang Xue sent their Lantern Festival greetings on Tuesday. “Wish everyone a happy Lantern Festival, ...

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Image courtesy of "ABC News"

Thousands in Taiwan and China celebrate the Lantern Festival with ... (ABC News)

Thousands in Taiwan and China have celebrated the Lantern Festival, a holiday that marks the end of the Lunar New Year period and is celebrated annually on ...

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Image courtesy of "Euronews"

Video. Pingxi Sky Lantern Festival: A tradition of hope and blessings ... (Euronews)

Video. The Pingxi Sky Lantern Festival in Taiwan, held on the 15th day of the Lunar New Year, draws thousands of visitors and locals to release paper ...

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Image courtesy of "Wanderlust"

Everything you need to know about the Taiwan Lantern Festival ... (Wanderlust)

This year's event will be split into two zones: The main lantern exhibition area in front of A18 Taoyuan HSR Station, and the lights playground, which will have ...

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Image courtesy of "Xinhua"

Various activities held across China to celebrate Lantern Festival (Xinhua)

People watch dragon dance parade in Liuzhou City, south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Feb. 12, 2025. · People enjoy lanterns at Bailuzhou Park in ...

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Image courtesy of "People's Daily Online"

Various activities held across China to celebrate Lantern Festival ... (People's Daily Online)

People watch dragon dance parade in Liuzhou City, south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, F.

Chinese culture on display at Lantern Festival celebration in ... (Xinhua)

AMMAN, Feb. 12 (Xinhua) -- The China Cultural Center in Amman hosted a Lantern Festival celebration on Wednesday, marking the end of Chinese Spring Festival ...

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Image courtesy of "Spectrum News NY1"

Thousands in Taiwan and China celebrate the Lantern Festival with ... (Spectrum News NY1)

Thousands in Taiwan and China have celebrated the Lantern Festival, a holiday that marks the end of the Lunar New Year period and is celebrated annually on ...

Lanterns light up Taiwan as Chinese festival celebrated across ... (People's Daily Online)

TAIPEI, Feb. 12 (Xinhua) -- As night falls on the 15th day of the first month of the Chinese lunar c.

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Image courtesy of "台北時報"

President Lai opens Taiwan Lantern Festival (台北時報)

President William Lai (賴清德) yesterday opened this year's Taiwan Lantern Festival for the Year of the Snake in Taoyuan, lighting up this year's main ...

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Image courtesy of "People's Daily Online"

In pics: Festivities mark Lantern Festival across China - People's ... (People's Daily Online)

Breathtaking displays of colorful lanterns, vibrant dragon and lion dances, and other traditional performances captivated audiences, while delectable sweet ...

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