Festive atmosphere abounds as Fuzhou lights up to welcome the Chinese New Year. With the Spring Festival approaching, the city is transformed with vibrant lanterns and captivating light shows, offering a dazzling display of color and light. From mesmerizing light exhibitions to immersive cultural experiences, the city is set to provide an unforgettable experience in celebration of this Chinese New Year.

A major highlight of the celebrations is the "Mawei-Matsu Celebrate Lantern Festival Together" event, running until March 2 at Hongguang Lake Park in Langqi, Mawei district, Fuzhou. This year, the event features six themed zones and over 130 large and medium-sized lantern installations. The installations showcase Fujian's maritime culture, the folk traditions of Mawei and Matsu, and the region's rich shipbuilding heritage.

Originating from the Lantern Festival customs of Mawei and Matsu, the event has become a significant occasion for compatriots across the Taiwan Strait to gather and celebrate together. Now in its 23rd year, it was inscribed on the national intangible cultural heritage list in 2008. Traditional cultural elements are beautifully merged with modern artistic techniques, weaving captivating stories that celebrate the enduring bond between the two sides of the Taiwan Strait.

Three large-scale lantern installations are seen on the tranquil Hongguang Lake in Langqi, Mawei district, Fuzhou. [Photo/"Mawei-Matsu Celebrate Lantern Festival Together" event]

On the serene surface of Hongguang Lake, visitors are treated to three breathtaking large-scale lantern installations that unfold like a glowing scroll.

A stunning lantern of Mazu, the sea goddess, illuminates the serene surface of Hongguang Lake in Langqi, Mawei district, Fuzhou. [Photo/"Mawei-Matsu Celebrate Lantern Festival Together" event]

At the center stands a magnificent lantern of Mazu, the sea goddess, her radiant crown and ceremonial robes exuding grandeur and reverence.

In front of her, a small boat gently sways atop the waves, carrying a young girl in Santiaozan, traditional Fuzhou female headwear. Their silent yet profound gaze creates a bridge between the past and present.

In an awe-inspiring light installation, Sun Wukong, the Monkey King, breaks through a glowing wall. [Photo/"Mawei-Matsu Celebrate Lantern Festival Together" event]

Among the many spectacular light displays is a towering figure of Sun Wukong, the Monkey King, breaking through a wall. Clad in armor and wielding his golden staff, he emanates strength and majesty.

This event offers a unique opportunity for visitors to experience the rich cultural heritage of Fuzhou and Fujian through these enchanting light shows, as well as traditional folk activities like weekend lighting ceremonies that evoke the grandeur of ancient Lantern Festivals.

In addition to the lantern displays at Hongguang Lake, Love Island, a love-themed park in Cangshan district, is hosting a grand light show until February 16. The park features six main themed areas, with 14 immersive performances held each day. Visitors can journey through an insect-themed world full of colorful lights and buzzing creatures, a prehistoric dinosaur wonderland, and a magical foggy forest that transports them into a dreamy, fairy-tale-like world. The "Meeting Love" area, surrounded by blooming roses, offers couples a romantic setting to make lasting memories.

Love Island also includes two performance areas where audiences can enjoy traditional dances such as the water-sleeve dance and the Dunhuang flying apsaras dance, adding an extra layer of enchantment to this already mesmerizing experience.

Another must-see event is the 2025 Large-Scale Spring Festival Intangible Cultural Heritage Light Show at Nanjiangbin Ecological Park in Cangshan district, running until February 16. The show combines national trends, technology, and aesthetics to offer a stunning fusion of traditional cultural charm and modern visual artistry. Visitors will marvel at the sparkling starry avenue, firefly lights, golden wheat fields shimmering under the lights, and traditional fire kettle performances.

As Fuzhou's streets and alleys come alive with the vibrant energy of Spring Festival, the city is inviting visitors to immerse themselves in the enchanting light shows and cultural celebrations.