The Zigong International Dinosaur Lantern Festival has officially kicked off its 2026 edition in southwest China's Sichuan Province, transforming the night into a glowing tapestry of cultural storytelling. CGTN reporter Wu Yunliu shares her top three jaw-dropping installations from opening night:
1. Mulan’s Warrior Spirit 🌸⚔️
A 15-meter-tall lantern brings the legendary heroine to life, complete with animated projections of battle scenes from the classic ballad – perfect for Gen-Z history buffs and Mulan fans alike!
2. Kunpeng’s Celestial Flight 🦅🌌
This massive mythical bird-fish hybrid lantern appears to soar above crowds, its wingspan lit by 8,000 LED nodes creating a ripple effect worthy of any fantasy anime.
3. Dinosaur Valley Revival 🦖💡
Living up to the festival’s name, a T-rex family made of recycled porcelain dishes roars (via light effects) beside a walk-through prehistoric landscape – Jurassic Park meets eco-art!
Running through March, this year’s festival blends traditional Sichuan lantern craftsmanship with augmented reality features accessible via QR codes – because even ancient myths get a tech upgrade in 2026! 📲✨
