Festival of Lights: Floating Lanterns During the Yuanxiao Festival in Nanjing

If you've ever dreamed of stepping into a scene from ancient China, the Yuanxiao Festival in Nanjing is that dream come true. As winter fades and spring whispers through the willows, Nanjing transforms into a glowing wonderland during this magical celebration of light, love, and legacy.

Held on the 15th day of the first lunar month, the Yuanxiao Festival marks the end of Chinese New Year festivities. But in Nanjing, it’s more than just an ending—it’s a dazzling rebirth. The city lights up with thousands of floating lanterns along the Qinhuai River, each carrying wishes, poems, or silent prayers into the night sky.

Why Nanjing? Once the capital of six dynasties, Nanjing blends deep history with modern charm. During the festival, the Confucius Temple (Fuzimiao) area becomes the heart of the action. Over 300,000 visitors flood the district each year, drawn by the scent of tangyuan (sweet glutinous rice balls), traditional music, and the hypnotic glow of lanterns reflecting off the water.

The Magic of the Lanterns

Lanterns here aren’t just decorations—they’re art. Crafted by local artisans, many are hand-painted with scenes from classical poetry or zodiac motifs. Some reach over two meters tall! Visitors can even write their own messages and release small lotus-shaped lanterns onto the river—a ritual believed to bring good fortune.

Here’s a quick snapshot of what makes this festival unforgettable:

Tips for travelers? Arrive early. Wear comfy shoes. And don’t skip the local snacks—try qinhuai duck blood vermicelli soup or osmanthus rice cakes while strolling under silk lanterns shaped like dragons and peonies.

In a world that moves too fast, the Yuanxiao Festival in Nanjing slows time. It’s not just a feast for the eyes—it’s a journey into the soul of Chinese culture. So next February, let your spirit float with the lanterns. You might just find what you didn’t know you were looking for.