THE tradition of attending lantern fairs around the time of the Spring Festival is deeply rooted in Chinese culture, with a history stretching back more than 1,800 years. At these events, artisans craft elaborate lantern sets that reflect local tastes and styles.

Now through March, over 40 large-scale lantern installations are spread across 530,000 square meters at the Splendid China-Folk Culture Villages theme park in Nanshan District.

The displays blend classic and contemporary themes, featuring traditional motifs like flowers, birds, legendary figures, and landscapes alongside modern images from popular cartoons and video games that appeal to younger visitors.

Highlights include: an auspicious dragon-and-phoenix lantern set; a “Year of the Horse” section with equine-themed designs; intangible cultural heritage themes such as paper-cutting, kites, blue-and-white porcelain, and Chinese opera; a historical series designed in collaboration with the Palace Museum, displayed on classical palace-style lanterns; and a special Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area zone showcasing the region’s landmarks and cultural symbols, including lion dance.

Fans of historical dramas can explore an area inspired by the hit series “A Dream of Splendor,” with photo spots recreated from the show. They can also enjoy tea and snacks in Northern Song Dynasty (960-1127)style teahouses, wander through a lively night market set among pavilions and terraces, and watch intangible cultural heritage performances such as datiehua.

Also known as “striking iron flowers,” datiehua is an ancient and breathtaking folk art. Performers strike molten iron heated above 1,600 degrees Celcuis with wooden bats, sending a shower of golden sparks into the night sky — resembling a reverse rainfall or a fiery willow tree. This tradition originated with blacksmiths centuries before commercial fireworks existed.

Another immersive zone draws inspiration from the drama “The Lychee Road,” which follows a minor official tasked with transporting fresh lychees to the Tang Dynasty (618-907) capital, Chang’an (today’s Xi’an in Shaanxi Province).

New this year is a Beijing opera-themed block where visitors can play interactive games, try on makeup and costumes, and purchase souvenirs.

From afternoon through evening every day, live performances showcase songs, dances, and splendid traditional costumes of various ethnic groups, adding to the festive vibes.

Venue: Splendid China-Folk Culture Villages, Nanshan District (南山区锦绣中华民俗村)

Metro: Line 1 to Overseas Chinese Town Station (华侨城站), Exit D(Li Dan)