The Qinhuai Lantern Festival, also known as the Jinling Lantern Festival, is a celebrated traditional folk event native to the Nanjing area, hailed as the "World's Number One Lantern Festival." This millennium-old folk celebration artfully blends lantern art, Confucian culture, and the distinctive charm of the Qinhuai area, establishing it as one of the most iconic Chinese New Year traditions in the Jiangnan region. Its cultural significance was officially recognized in 2006 when it was inscribed on the list of the first batch of National Intangible Cultural Heritage.

Top Picks for Visitors

1. Confucius Temple (Fuzimiao)

Functioning as the primary and historically richest exhibition zone of the Qinhuai Lantern Festival, the site meticulously preserves the marketplace configuration dating back to the Ming and Qing dynasties. Historic edifices, including the Dacheng Hall and the Jiangnan Examination Hall, take on an added charm under the glow of the vibrant lantern art.

Reservation: Search for the "Nanjing Fuzimiao" mini program on Alipay to get your free entry for viewing the lanterns.

2. Laomendong (East Zhonghua Gate Historical Culture Block)

Home to a multitude of studios dedicated to intangible cultural heritage and traditional craftspeople, the culture block receives a particularly creative and well-designed makeover during the Lantern Festival. It successfully marries folk customs with a modern, stylish ambiance.

Reservation: Search for the "Mendong" mini program on Alipay to get your free entry for viewing the lanterns.

What to Expect

Step into a Millennium of Light: Stroll through the Confucius Temple-Qinhuai scenic belt and immerse yourself in the magnificent, age-old tradition of its annual lantern fair.

Meet the Artisans of Intangible Cultural Heritage: Engage directly with bearers of Qinhuai Lantern intangible cultural heritage and learn the intricate techniques of traditional lantern making.

Cruise the Luminous Waterway: Board a painted pleasure boat for an evening sail on the Qinhuai River, experiencing the poetic scene of the "Ten-mile stretch of Qinhuai illuminated by thousands of lights."

Savor Jinling Delights: Sample authentic Jinling snacks in Laomendong, tasting the true flavor of the Chinese New Year on your palate in Nanjing.