How to Celebrate Lantern Festival in china Like a Local
Imagine a crisp winter night, streets glowing with a sea of colorful lanterns, children laughing as they solve riddles, and the comforting aroma of sweet rice dumplings filling the air. This is the Lantern Festival in China—one of the country’s most enchanting and culturally rich holidays.
Falling on the 15th day of the Lunar New Year (usually in February or March), the Lantern Festival marks the end of the Chinese New Year celebrations. But it’s far more than just a conclusion—it’s a celebration of light, reunion, and the arrival of spring. For centuries, families have gathered to release lanterns, eat tangyuan (glutinous rice balls), and marvel at folk performances and dazzling light displays.
If you’re learning Mandarin, planning a trip to China, or simply want to immerse yourself in the culture beyond the classroom, the Lantern Festival offers a beautiful opportunity to connect with tradition in a hands-on, joyful way. But how do you celebrate it like a local rather than just watching from the sidelines?
In this guide, we’ll show you exactly how to enjoy the Lantern Festival the way locals do—from the foods you should try to the phrases you should know, and even where to go for the most authentic experiences.
1. Eat Tangyuan (汤圆) with Family and Friends
No Lantern Festival is complete without tangyuan, soft, chewy rice balls usually filled with black sesame paste, red bean, or peanut. Their round shape symbolizes reunion and completeness, making them the perfect dish to share with family or friends on this day.
Local tip:
Try tangyuan in both sweet (boiled in syrup) and savory (served in broth) forms. Don’t just stick to store-bought—join a local family or class to learn how to make them from scratch!
2. Admire Lantern Displays (赏灯)
In cities and villages across China, the streets come alive with spectacular lantern displays of all shapes, colors, and themes—dragons, zodiac animals, folklore scenes, and modern cartoons.
Best places to see them like a local:
Beijing – Ditan Park and Longqing Gorge Ice Lantern Festival
Shanghai – Yuyuan Garden lantern display
Xi’an – Tang Paradise light show
Smaller towns and neighborhoods often have community lantern setups that are less crowded but just as charming.
Insider tip:
Arrive just before sundown, enjoy some street snacks, and stay until the lanterns are fully lit for the most magical atmosphere.
3. Guess Lantern Riddles (猜灯谜)
A uniquely intellectual tradition, lantern riddles are written on slips of paper and hung from lanterns in parks, temples, or homes. Solving them is a beloved pastime for both kids and adults.
Local tip:
If you’re studying Mandarin, this is a fun and challenging way to test your reading skills! Locals may even offer prizes to those who solve the riddles correctly—so give it a try, even if you need help.
4. Join a Local Parade or Performance
The Lantern Festival is also known for folk performances, including:
Dragon dances
Lion dances
Drumming and fireworks
Stilt walkers and folk opera
Check community boards or social media if you’re in China—many events are announced locally and open to visitors.
Bonus tip:
If you’re lucky enough to visit a rural village during the festival, the experience becomes even more intimate and traditional. Expect loud firecrackers, home-cooked food, and an immersive sense of community.
5. Release Sky Lanterns (天灯) — Respectfully
In some parts of China, especially Pingxi in Taiwan, people write wishes on sky lanterns and release them into the night sky. While this tradition is not practiced everywhere in China, it has become a popular symbolic activity.
Important note:
Due to environmental concerns, sky lanterns are banned in many cities. Be sure to check local regulations and consider eco-friendly lantern alternatives or symbolic paper wishes instead.
6. Use the Right Mandarin Phrases
Want to impress locals and join the celebration like a pro? Here are a few phrases to know:
元宵节快乐！(Yuánxiāo jié kuàilè!) – Happy Lantern Festival!
祝你团团圆圆！(Zhù nǐ tuán tuán yuán yuán!) – Wishing you reunion and harmony!
汤圆好吃！(Tāngyuán hǎo chī!) – The tangyuan is delicious!
FAQs
Q: Is the Lantern Festival a public holiday in China?
A: It’s not a formal day off work, but it’s widely celebrated in the evening with family gatherings, events, and public displays.
Q: Can tourists participate in the celebrations?
A: Absolutely! Lantern Festival is very inclusive. Many communities welcome visitors to join public events, light shows, and riddles.
Q: Do people give gifts during the Lantern Festival?
A: Not usually. It’s more about food, family, and festivities than gift-giving. A box of tangyuan or festive snacks might be shared, though.
Q: Are lanterns used the same way across all of China?
A: No—customs vary by region. Some places focus on riddles, others on parades or traditional arts. Urban and rural experiences can be very different.
Q: How can I celebrate Lantern Festival outside of China?
A: Many Chinatowns and cultural organizations around the world hold Lantern Festival events. You can also cook tangyuan at home and enjoy local lantern displays or crafts.
Learn Mandarin with Cultural Context at Polyglottist Language Academy
At Polyglottist Language Academy, we believe language learning is most powerful when it’s paired with real cultural insight. Our Mandarin classes for adults and teens not only teach speaking, listening, and reading—but also introduce you to the festivals, traditions, and ways of thinking that shape everyday life in Chinese-speaking communities.
We offer small-group and private Mandarin classes online and in person for students across San Francisco, Oakland, Berkeley, San Jose, Sacramento, Santa Rosa, Reno, and Portland.
👉 Ready to speak Mandarin and celebrate Chinese holidays like a local? Join a class today.
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