On the evening of January 26, the Huizhou West Lake 2025 New Year Lantern Festival officially opened. The festival will run until February 12 (the 15th day of the first lunar month), lasting for 18 days, with light displays from 6:30 PM to 10:30 PM.
The Lantern Festival, centered around the culture of Su Dongpo, features 32 sets of lanterns and light displays spread across several areas of the West Lake Scenic Area. It also includes several large-scale lantern installations on the lake.
"This year, the festival is implementing a real-name reservation system for admission. Visitors need to book tickets in advance via the WeChat applet 'Huizhou West Lake Scenic Area'," explained Li Luqi, director of the Huizhou West Lake Scenic Area Management Center. "Daily reservation quotas are released three days in advance, with a total of 40,000 tickets available each night."
On the first night of the festival, many locals and tourists flocked to the lake to see the lantern displays. Mr. Liu, a resident of Huicheng District, participated in the activity for the second consecutive year. "I look forward to the West Lake Lantern Festival every year," he said. "This year's festival is even more creative and perfect for a family outing."
Compared to last year, this year's festival offers a new lantern viewing route on the lake. Light displays have been added around the islands, and the lantern installations are more harmoniously integrated with the lake's natural features, such as the islands, bridges, and trees. This blend of scenery and lanterns creates a unique and picturesque experience.
To enhance the experience, the organizers offer more boarding options for visitors. The scenic area has opened four docks for the Spring Festival Lantern Cruise Line: Dongmen Dock, Gushan Dock, Beimen Dock (Ciyun Dock), and Ehu Dock (Xiaobeimen Dock). Each dock features a "Spring Festival Dragon Gate," symbolizing good luck for the new year.
At the end of the cruise, visitors can enjoy the breathtaking view of thousands of lights illuminating the West Lake Trail and Gushan Square. According to a spokesperson from the Huizhou West Lake Scenic Area Management Center, this year's lanterns incorporate cyberpunk elements, popular cartoon characters, and other trendy features, creating ideal photo opportunities for visitors.
A highlight of this year's festival is the "Children's Dream Star Factory." The organizers previously invited children from across the city to submit creative drawings, and from more than 1,000 submissions, 600 outstanding works were chosen. These artworks have been transformed into vibrant lanterns, forming a colorful landscape corridor.
Come to Huizhou this New Year, enjoy the stunning beauty of the West Lake, and experience the magic of the Lantern Festival!
Reporter: Zhang Guowei
Editor: Wei Shen, Liu Lingzhi, James, Shen He
Photo: Publicity Department of the CPC Huizhou Municipal Party Committee
