Recently, the “China travel” trend has maintained soaring popularity on overseas social media. On December 17, 2024, the Chinese government introduced an upgraded transit visa-free policy, expanding the permitted stay duration from 144 hours to 240 hours. Citizens from 54 countries worldwide can now enter China through over 60 open ports across 24 provincial-level regions, enjoying visa-free stays and activities within designated areas for up to 240 hours. This enhancement to China’s tourism experience has attracted numerous international visitors who embark on their journeys with mixed curiosity and apprehension to explore this mysterious ancient Eastern nation. Ultimately, travelers find themselves thoroughly captivated by China’s unique cultural charm and modern vitality, with many expressing how the country “completely surpassed their expectations.”
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1: Lost in China? My China travel Feels Like a Treasure Hunt
As more foreign visitors arrive, decades-old myths about China are being dispelled. Travelers roam the land, greeted by the warmth and kindness of its people, and witness the country’s true essence. They marvel at Shanghai’s futuristic skyline, pausing in awe before the Oriental Pearl Tower; they stand humbled by Beijing’s ancient grandeur, tracing history in every brick of the Forbidden City; they bask in Chengdu’s laid-back charm, sipping Chinese tea on sunlit afternoons.
Exploring this ancient land feels like a quest for buried treasure. Among the emerging gems is Zigong, a small city near Chengdu in Sichuan Province, renowned as the “Lantern City of the South.” Just as every metropolis has its calling card, Zigong’s is its lanterns. To preserve this millennia-old tradition, Zigong has built a dazzling kingdom of light—the China Lantern World.
Spanning 1.26 million square meters, this lantern paradise welcomed over 900,000 visitors during the 2025 Spring Festival holiday, generating ¥68 million in ticket sales and ranking as Sichuan’s top-paid attraction. Its magic begins at the gates: stepping inside feels like entering a radiant universe. Seven themed zones, 12 colossal lantern installations towering dozens of meters high, and thousands of intricate lantern artworks greet visitors. To fully explore this glittering realm takes hours—a labyrinth where travelers often lose themselves, both literally and metaphorically.
2: A Journey Through Millennia
Zigong’s lantern tradition dates back to the Tang and Song dynasties, though China’s love of lanterns stretches back millennia. Ancient lantern festivals featured simple designs—flowers, animals, or basic shapes—reflecting people’s aspirations for beauty and joy.Today, modern technology and prosperity have elevated this art. Lantern artisans blend tradition with innovation, reimagining mythical and cultural icons in futuristic forms: Sun Wukong clad in mecha armor, steampunk pandas, lifelike robotic dinosaurs. These creations bridge past and present, inviting visitors to share in a timeless celebration. At China Lantern World, familiar legends and cutting-edge designs coexist—a testament to the power of heritage and creativity.
3: A One-of-a-Kind Chinese Adventure
Having hosted 31 editions of the Zigong International Dinosaur Lantern Festival, this “World’s Premier Lantern Show” has dazzled audiences in over 80 countries. Its uniqueness stems from China’s unbroken cultural lineage—a 5,000-year legacy of ingenuity and artistry. From lanterns to countless other treasures, China’s cultural gems shine brightly in human history.
If you’re drawn to China’s traditions, intrigued by lanterns, or simply curious about this ancient land, come to Zigong’s China Lantern World. Embark on a journey unlike any other—where lanterns, history, and imagination collide.
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Oliver is a professional blogger and a seasoned business and finance writer. With a passion for simplifying complex financial topics, he provides valuable insights to a diverse online audience. With four years of experience, Oliver has polished his skills as a finance blogger.
