Yantai celebrates Lantern Festival with spectacular displays

A Spring Festival carnival takes place at the residence of Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) general Qi Jiguang in Yantai's Penglai. [Photo/VCG]

Lantern Festival has arrived, and Yantai is hosting dazzling exhibitions and cultural performances across the city.

At Yantai Botanical Garden, the "2026 Spring Festival Lantern Fair" offers 53 breathtaking giant lanterns, light shows, cultural markets, and food vendors. Visitors can enjoy live fire shows, meet elegant street performers in Tang Dynasty (618-907) costumes, and watch colorful fish lantern parades.

The golden galloping horse pattern lights up the lighthouse on Yantai Mountain. [Photo/VCG]

Also in Laishan district, 2,000 drones will light up the night sky, launching from Yantai Jiaodong Cultural Plaza with optimal viewing at Yantai Civic Leisure Park.

Yantai Mountain Scenic Area hosts the "Horse Blossoms" Spring Festival Carnival, featuring lantern displays against mountain and coastal views, plus theater and dance performances. Nearby Chaoyang Street offers period architecture with jazz.

The ancient street of Suochengli shines with brilliant lanterns. [Photo/VCG]

Historic Suochengli block is adorned with red lanterns, with Peking Opera face-changing performances adding to the festive atmosphere.

At Qi Jiguang's Residence in Penglai district, the Spring Festival carnival offers a magical evening of traditional lantern and fish lantern displays, along with spirited lion dances and folk performances that celebrate local culture.

Longkou Nanshan Scenic Area rounds out the celebrations with lantern riddle games, light shows, and spectacular molten iron fireworks. Daytime fun includes traditional games and drum performances.