Celebrate the most dazzling Chinese New Year with a self-guided trip to Zigong Lantern World
Still searching for the most festive Spring Festival destination? The Zigong International Dinosaur Lantern Festival, known as the "World's Number One Lantern Festival," is definitely the answer! This comprehensive guide covering food, accommodation, and transportation will help you kick off a brilliant new year with just one click 🎆
🎫 Tickets and Opening Hours
· Open Dates: From now until March.
· Key Dates: Closed on February 16 (Chinese New Year's Eve). During the Spring Festival (February 15-23), there are two daily sessions from 17:00-20:30 and 21:00-23:30, both featuring full performances.
· Ticket Prices: Spring Festival is peak season, so prices are higher, typically around 150 RMB per person based on previous years. Discounts are available for students, seniors, etc. Free admission groups (such as children and elderly) must book in advance on the "Zigong Culture and Tourism" platform.
· Ticket Purchase Tips: Strongly recommend buying tickets in advance on the official platform. During the Spring Festival (February 15-23), adult tickets may be limited per person. Be sure to bring your ID for verification.
✨ Must-See Stunning Lantern Displays
This year’s festival features 11 giant lantern groups and over 200 lantern sets, divided into ten major sections. Don’t miss these highlights:
1⃣️ 210-meter "Magical China" Lantern Group: Inspired by Zhuangzi, a visual spectacle of the Kunpeng spreading its wings, showcasing the spirit of a strong nation.
2⃣️ 180-meter "Mulan Legend" Lantern Group: The first-ever "lantern comic," using light and shadow to portray Mulan’s heroic image and patriotic feelings.
3⃣️ Dinosaur Canyon Area: Mechanical dinosaurs over 20 meters tall that move and roar, as if traveling back to the Jurassic period.
4⃣️ "Craftsmanship and Intangible Heritage" Lantern Group: See how Zigong artisans use everyday materials like straw, chili peppers, and porcelain to create magical auspicious beasts, embodying the spirit that "everything can become a lantern."
🚗 Transportation Guide
· High-Speed Rail (Recommended): Depart from Chengdu East/South Station, about 1-1.5 hours direct to Zigong Station. From there, take a taxi (about 25 minutes) or the special shuttle bus running during the festival directly to the venue.
· Self-Drive: About 2 hours from Chengdu or Chongqing. The venue has large parking lots, but it’s best to arrive early during the Spring Festival for easier parking.
🏠 Accommodation Options
· Convenient Choice: Stay near Huashang International City or Lantern World, with plenty of dining options and easy access to the lantern displays. High-end hotels like Huidong Hotel and comfortable options like All Seasons and Atour are good picks.
· Friendly Reminder: Accommodation is tight during the Spring Festival, so book early!
🍜 Food List
After enjoying the dazzling sea of lights, don’t miss the spicy Zigong cuisine to satisfy your taste buds 🌶️
· Rabbit Feast: No rabbit leaves Zigong alive! Cold Rabbit (spicy snack) and Fresh Pot Rabbit (tender and spicy) are must-try signature dishes. Famous restaurants include "God of Food" (also known as Toilet Rabbit) and Honghe Fresh Pot Rabbit.
· Local Specialties: Fushun Douhua (tofu pudding with special dipping sauce), Huobianzi Beef (paper-thin slices), and Ai Leaf Chicken Feet are local favorites.
· Snacks and Spice Relief: There are creative snacks inside the festival area, but prices are higher, so bring some snacks if needed. Don’t forget a bowl of Bingfen (ice jelly) or Lianggao (cool cake) to cool down the spice.
📅 Itinerary
· Day 1: Ancient Salt Capital Culture and Dazzling Lantern Sea
· Morning: Arrive in Zigong and check into your hotel.
· Afternoon: Visit the Zigong Salt Industry History Museum (West Qin Guild Hall) to see ancient drilling technology. Or go to Shenhai Well to witness traditional salt-making from a thousand-meter-deep ancient salt well.
· Evening: The highlight! Head to the China Lantern World (arrive before 16:30 to avoid crowds), immerse yourself in the light and shadow wonders, and don’t miss the drone show.
· Day 2: Dinosaur Kingdom and Fireworks Ancient Town
· Morning: Explore the world-famous Zigong Dinosaur Museum to see massive dinosaur fossil groups.
· Afternoon: Stroll through Xianshi Ancient Town, known as "China’s First Salt Transport Town," and enjoy the slow pace among bluestone streets and Ming-Qing architecture. Afterwards, take the shuttle bus back to the lantern festival.
· Evening: Re-enter the festival to enjoy the lights again or savor an authentic Zigong salt-baked cuisine dinner.
💰 Estimated Budget per Person (2 days, 1 night)
· Tickets: Lantern Festival peak ticket about 150 RMB + Dinosaur Museum about 40 RMB + Salt Industry History Museum about 20 RMB = 210 RMB.
· Accommodation: Budget hotels/guesthouses about 250-400 RMB per night.
· Food: About 80-120 RMB per day.
· Local Transportation: Taxi/bus about 50-80 RMB.
· Total Budget: Approximately 1000-1300 RMB per person (excluding intercity travel).
⚠️ Important Tips
1. Warmth and Clothing: It’s cold outdoors at night, so wear warm jackets and comfortable, non-slip shoes. There is a lot of walking inside the park.
2. Avoid Crowds and Photography: For photos with fewer people, try shooting during the blue hour right after lights turn on (around 18:00-19:00) or one hour before closing. Good photos can be taken from the side of main lantern groups and using water reflections.
3. Safety and Etiquette: There are electrical circuits inside the lantern groups; do not touch or climb. Keep your belongings safe and watch over elderly and children.
4. Service Upgrades: The 2026 festival will feature comprehensive service upgrades inside and outside the park, including new parking lots, convenience facilities, and volunteer service stations for a more comfortable visit.
🎉 This Spring Festival, come to Zigong and let the light of the millennium-old intangible heritage lanterns illuminate your New Year memories, and ignite your taste buds with spicy Zigong cuisine!