Beijing's Yanqing district comes alive as mythical lantern festival blazes through the winter night

As the Spring Festival draws near, the night sky over Beijing's suburban Yanqing district has been transformed into a celestial wonderland. The lantern festival, themed on the 1960s animated classic "The Monkey King: Havoc in Heaven," blends nostalgic charm with cutting-edge technology to create an unforgettable spectacle.

A lantern festival based on the "The Monkey King: Havoc in Heaven" is being staged at the Beijing Expo Park in suburban Yanqing district, Jan. 31, 2026. [Photo by Wan Lina/China.org.cn]

The event boasts over 50 sets of large-scale themed lanterns. Visitors can explore iconic settings such as the "Peach Orchard" and the "Lingxiao Palace" along a 2.5-kilometer immersive route at the Beijing Expo Park.