Hengdian Shangyuan Lantern Fair opens at Hengdian World Studios on Jan 18. [Photo/Tide News]

Lantern fairs are returning across Zhejiang province during the Spring Festival period, giving travelers a reason to extend evening itineraries.

In Jinhua, the 2026 Hengdian Shangyuan Lantern Fair opened on the evening of Jan 18 at Hengdian World Studios. The fair features 22 large-scale lantern installations, including six newly introduced sets. Drawing on film and television settings, the displays are designed to create immersive nighttime scenes and will remain open through March 3.

In Ningbo, the Year of the Horse Spring Festival Lantern Fair is being held at Cicheng town. The event has transformed a one-kilometer stretch of the ancient city wall into a continuously illuminated route. Modern lighting technology is used to create layered visual effects after sunset, while daytime markets and street activities take place within the historic town. The fair will run from Feb 11 to March 8, with one ticket covering both daytime and evening visits.

The lantern fair at Hangzhou's Xixi National Wetland Park draws on ecological elements such as flowers, birds, insects, and fish, combined with Year of the Horse-themed lantern designs. Visitors can experience lantern displays, themed exhibitions, Chinese New Year markets, and night boat tours throughout the wetlands, with the fair scheduled to run until March.