2026 Shantou Small Park International Lantern Show
The 2026 Shantou Small Park International Lantern Show opened on March 3 and will run until March 31, in celebration of China's Lantern Festival.
Thousands of colorful lanterns lit up five main streets around Shantou Small Park, showcasing elements of the city's culture, history, and modern development. Lanterns depict Chaoshan-style houses, historic trade scenes, festive symbols, and local traditions, creating a vibrant visual journey for visitors.
2026 Shantou Small Park International Lantern Show
2026 Shantou Small Park International Lantern Show
2026 Shantou Small Park International Lantern Show
The festival also celebrates Shantou's global connections, with themed lanterns and cultural displays highlighting the ties between the city and overseas Chinese communities in Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Cambodia, and Laos.
In addition to the lantern exhibitions, visitors explored a marketplace featuring local crafts, cultural souvenirs, and authentic Chaoshan food. Creative light installations and large-scale displays at Zhongshan Memorial Pavilion added to the immersive experience. Performances, including Yingge dances, Longma dances, Chaoshan opera, and acrobatics, were held along the streets, bringing traditional culture to life for both locals and international visitors.
2026 Shantou Small Park International Lantern Show
The Yingge dance performance at the Lantern Show
Performers at the Lantern Show
In Chinese culture, the Lantern Festival symbolizes reunion, happiness, and wishes for peace and prosperity. Some visitors said gatherings like this feel especially meaningful at a time when the world faces uncertainty. Tourist Ashok Singhvi noted that cultures across countries share similar values and human emotions, adding that events like the festival offer people a chance to reflect and connect through shared experiences.
Throughout the festival period, intangible cultural heritage performances such as Chaoshan opera and Yingge dances will be organized every weekend.
Reporter | Li Muzi
Photo | Publicity Department of Shantou
