The Hengdian World Studios Shangyuan Lantern Festival in Jinhua, East China's Zhejiang Province Photo: Courtesy of Hengdian World Studios

AI-summoned mythical beasts for guided tours, XR technology enabling visitors to "roam within lanterns," and drone formations illuminating the skylines of ancient buildings... The Year of the Horse Lantern Festival, which falls on Tuesday, is witnessing an unprecedented fusion of cutting-edge technologies.  

As night falls on Tuesday at the Guandi Temple historical and cultural block in Zhoukou, Central China's Henan Province, a lighting ceremony will mark the beginning of the evening festivities. A dazzling light show will illuminate the sky above the bell and drum towers, igniting the atmosphere in the square. Following this, 500 drones will take to the sky, performing a thematic display that vividly narrates the grand journey from the culture of integrity associated with Guan Yu, a deified figure from the ancient Chinese epic The Romance of the Three Kingdoms, to the historical transformation of Zhoukou's canal port and up to the modern achievement of Zhoukou Port. Traditional operas about Guan Yu will also be performed at Guandi Temple, paying homage to his spirit of loyalty and righteousness.

"Lantern festivals serve as an important medium for the public to perceive the depth of New Year customs and appreciate the festive spirit of the spring season. The rich viewing experiences and the strong atmosphere of the Chinese New Year make them a key attraction for visitors," said Sun Jiashan, a researcher at the Chinese Culture Teaching and Research Department of the Central Institute of Socialism, in an interview with the Global Times on Monday.

Explosion of light, tech

The application of an increasing array of cutting-edge technology is breaking the limitations of traditional static lantern displays, creating numerous immersive and interactive scenarios that are profoundly reshaping the visitor experience. At Shanghai's Yuyuan Garden Lantern Festival, with just a smartphone, visitors can summon AI-powered mythical beasts that give intelligent guided tours, participate in real-time "digital lantern riddle" activities, or use "AI photography" to integrate themselves into the intangible cultural heritage lantern displays.

Hu Junjie, a spokesperson for the Yuyuan Garden, said that this is all part of a specially designed digital project for this year's festival that aims to allow visitors to "immerse themselves in the festive atmosphere amid the flowing interplay of light and shadow."

Nowadays, lantern festivals have evolved into a new type of activity, a comprehensive cultural-tourism experience that is touchable and playable. "Entering the Lantern Festival in Hengdian feels like stepping into a TV drama. I specifically wore ancient-style makeup. The lantern festival here is really fun," shared one tourist on social media platform RedNote.

Hengdian World Studios in Jinhua, East China's Zhejiang Province, is widely known for its vast TV and film production spots. Diao Zhuo, chief director of the Hengdian World Studios Shangyuan Lantern Festival, said that the lantern festival features exciting content such as NPC (non-player character) improvisational interactions, ancient costume parades, and acrobatic performances. 

Immersed in the festival, visitors can not only admire lanterns and watch shows but also step onto film sets to "become characters from the scenes, fulfill their acting dreams, and create unique cinematic memories," said Diao.

The Zigong Lantern Festival's 210-meter-long Kunpeng lantern, representing ambition and good fortune, in Zigong, Southwest China's Sichuan Province Photo: VCG

From spectator to participant

At the Zigong International Dinosaur Lantern Festival in Zigong, Southwest China's Sichuan Province, technology has enabled a breakthrough in interactive experiences, transforming visitors from "spectators" to "participants."

The installation, Qing Luan (Azure Phoenix) uses a light-wave drum as an interactive medium. When visitors gently strike the drum's surface, colored lasers change in sync with the rhythm, fountains dance in harmony, and the mechanical Azure Phoenix raises its head and spreads its wings. 

Project leader Zhou Yujian explained, "We focus on building an emotional connection with visitors, allowing them to feel the charm of light and shadow through interactions."

"Technology is not meant to replace millennia of craftsmanship. Instead, it serves as a modern 'engine' and 'wings' for traditional skills. This fundamental shift in the experience is key to the leap in value of Zigong's colored lantern industry," said Shen Hongyue, president of the Zigong Lantern Industry Association, as reported by the People's Daily Overseas Edition.

Technology not only enhances experiences but also reshapes narratives. The 2026 Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Lantern Festival extensively employs technology such as AI, holographic projection, surround sound systems, and motion-sensing devices to empower traditional culture. 

The lantern festival also features a nightly large-scale multimedia light show, Night of Nansha: Light of the Bay Area, which uses the ancient architectural complex of the Nansha Tianhou Palace as its "canvas." 

Integrating laser projection, drone for -mations, and digital fireworks, it narrates a story of cultural heritage ranging from the ancient Maritime Silk Road to the modern-day Greater Bay Area. 

Similarly, the Zigong Lantern Festival places greater emphasis on using lanterns as a medium and light as a narrative tool, enabling colored lanterns to "tell Chinese stories well." Standing 35 meters high, the Splendid Knot Illuminating the Gate takes the Chinese knot as its inspiration. Achieving visual consistency from both front and back, it resembles a gateway through time that connects the past and present.

From "viewing with the eyes" to "participating in person," and from simply admiring lanterns to experiencing multidimensional narratives, lantern festivals across China are leveraging technology to break through traditional boundaries. 

Lantern festivals are also promoting the integration of traditional folk customs with contemporary expression, sparking cultural resonance among younger generations. 

Sun explained that through in-depth narratives of local culture, lantern festivals become unique "ambassadors" of their cities. At the same time, the integration of culture and tourism will continue to deepen, giving rise to more diverse consumption scenarios and fostering the evolution of lantern festivals into regularized pillars of the nighttime economy.