Let Your Light Shine in Mid-Autumn
Legend has it that God rewarded Hou Yi with immortality, after he shot down nine of the suns and left one to keep the world warm. He refused to become immortal without his wife, Chang'e, so he hid the potion, until his apprentice stole it. To protect the potion, Chang'e swallowed it, floated to the sky and landed on the moon. Hou Yi thus honored the moon to commemorate her.
Full moon (圓月) shares the same Chinese character as reunion (團圓) with family and friends. In ancient times, lanterns were used to illuminate the way of reunion and decorate the houses and streets. They used to be made of paper and lit with candles, while plastic lanterns containing light bulbs are more popular nowadays. Writing riddles on displayed lanterns remains a tradition.
Victoria Park was lit up by the International Lantern Spectacular this autumn. From Dragon Gate (魚躍龍門), Moonlit Lotus (荷塘月色) to the Shadowlight (樹影流光). Giant master-crafted lanterns are displayed on the Soccer Pitch, with streetfood lanterns to showcase the city as a food paradise. Centred on the theme of reunion, the show brought an immersive Qinhuai spectacle.
Photos and videos of the World Lantern Boulevard (世界綵燈大街) went viral on social media. For the first time, Hong Kong Tourism Board brought festive lanterns from 20 countries in order to infuse the event with vibrant international flair. The waiting time to this zone has been once up to over 100 minutes. Due to popular demand, this carnival of lanterns has extended by one week.
La Marche des Lampions, France (燈籠巡禮，法國)
Known as La Marche des Lampions, or Retraite aux flambeaux, this display is mostly associated with Bastille Day, France's National Day on 14 July, carrying bright lanterns through the streets.
St Martin's Lanterns, Germany (聖馬丁節燈籠，德國)
St Martins Day is held on 11 November, commemorating St Martin of Tours, a Roman soldier who became a bishop later. He shared his cloak with a beggar on a cold winter's day. In many regions, children go from door to door to receive candy, lighting up the community with lanterns.
Festa Junina Lanterns, Brazil (六月節燈籠，巴西)
Inspired by Festa Junina, a festival honoring Saints Athony, John and Peter, the lanterns reflect the joyful spirit of celebrations across Brazil, while celebrating rural traditions and community.
Scandinavian Christmas Star Lanterns, Sweden (斯堪的納維亞聖誕星燈，瑞典)
They are a familiar sight in Sweden during the weeks leading up to Christmas, displaying the windows of homes, schools, offices and shops, referring to the Star of Bethlehem.
Lanna Lanterns, Thailand (蘭納燈籠，泰國)
In northern Thailand, lanterns are an essential part of Yi Peng (依屏節), which is a traditional Lanna festival and the northern Thai equivalent of Loy Krathong (水燈節). People handcraft and hang them in temples and public spaces as an offering of light to honour the Buddha.
Hoi An Lanterns, Vietnam (會安燈籠，越南)
It first appeared in the late 16th century, prominent during the Mid-Autumn and Lunar New Year and monthly Hoi An Lantern Festival. Traditionally handcrafted with bamboo frames treated in salt water to prevent termites and covered with silk fabric, it gives off a soft and elegant glow.
Traditional Lao Lanterns, Laos (傳統老撾燈籠，老撾)
These cherished cultural treasures are created for major religious and national festivities such as Boun Ork Phansa, the Festival of Lights, and the Boat Racing Festival. They symbolise wisdom, prosperity and the enduring victory of light over darkness, especially iconic in Luang Prabang.
Łowicz Folk Paper-Cut Lanterns, Poland (洛維奇剪紙藝術燈籠，波蘭)
The Wycinanki Łowickie, which is the traditional paper-cut folk art of the Łowicz region in central Poland, have long been used to brighten homes and mark festive occasions. Inspired by Wycinanki Łowickie, these lanterns celebrate the country's vibrant handcrafted heritage.
Lokta Paper Inspired Lanterns, Nepal (洛克塔紙燈罩造型燈籠，尼泊爾)
Inspired by Nepali lampshades, these lanterns are made from Lokta paper, a handmade paper associated with their craft tradition. The designs feature motifs that reflect their cultural and spiritual heritage, including Buddha Eyes, Buddhist imagery, elephants, tigers and Lord Ganesh.
Damar Kurung Lanterns, Indonesia (達瑪古隆燈籠，印度尼西亞)
Originating from Gresik in East Java, it is described as a storytelling lantern, with a visual narrative of religious observances, coastal life, markets and everyday community experiences.
Ramadan Lanterns, UAE (齋戒月燈籠，阿聯酋)
As a symbol of guidance and unity, the “fanous” is a lantern made by metal and glass, in order to decorating homes and streets during the holy month of Ramadan. This custom lasts for centuries.
Title: International Lantern Spectacular (國際中秋綵燈匯)
Date: 17 September 2026 to 4 October 2026
Location: Victoria Park, 1 Hing Fat Street, Causeway Bay, Hong Kong Island
Organiser: Hong Kong Tourism Board
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