The 2026 Chinese Lantern Carnival at Zhuhai's New Yuanming Palace (圆明新园) will open on September 25, featuring a new cat-themed night tour.
The carnival will run through May 6, 2027, spanning major holiday periods including the Mid-Autumn Festival, National Day and Chinese New Year.
The carnival combines lantern displays with interactive missions, live characters and roving performances, turning visitors from spectators into participants. The story centers on the "imperial cat," an original character created by the scenic area, who guides visitors through three themed areas and leads them on a palace-themed adventure.
Visitors can explore cat-themed installations, light displays and interactive performances throughout the scenic area, including a nearly 5-meter-tall model of the "imperial cat."
Palace maids, guards, flower gods, dancers and other non-player characters (NPCs) will interact with visitors along the route. Highlights include a cat-themed dance party, fire pot dance performances, face-changing performances and magic shows. Visitors can also complete missions, collect stamps and redeem exclusive souvenirs.
If you go:
Event time: 7–10 p.m. from September 25, 2026, to May 6, 2027; closed on Mondays except public holidays
Address: No. 164, Lanpu Road, Jiuzhou Avenue, Xiangzhou District, Zhuhai (珠海市香洲区九州大道兰埔路164号)
Author | Huang Xinying
Photos | New Yuanming Palace
