Community and culture unite at Xiangmi Lake Lantern Festival

The Lantern Festival celebrations kicked off at Xiangmi Park in the Xiangmi Lake Sub-district in Futian on March 3, drawing local and international residents to enjoy the charms of this traditional Chinese holiday.

The event featured a rotating lineup of intangible cultural heritage performances — from the fish-lantern dance and Sichuan opera face-changing to the long-spout teapot tea ceremony, giving international visitors close-up access to China’s rich cultural tradition. 

A view of the Lantern Festival celebrations held at Xiangmi Lake Sub-district. Photos courtesy of Xiangmi Lake Sub-district

An international band performed beloved Chinese songs on violin and saxophone, while guest dancers brought extra flair with tap and Russian folk dances, creating a joyful, cross-cultural atmosphere.

One especially touching highlight was a group wedding by a lake. Ten Chinese and foreign couples dressed in traditional attire exchanged vows and observed the ancient three-bows ceremony to Heaven, Earth and each other, pledging lifelong commitment amid the lanterns and celebration.

Food stalls drew long lines as visitors collected stamps to redeem sweet glutinous rice dumplings (tangyuan), while lantern-riddle games offered prizes including Broadway show tickets and cultural gifts. More than 30 themed booths — featuring northern and southern cuisine, handmade cultural products and practical services — filled the park with lively street-market energy.

Local and international residents pose for a group photo with their flower arrangement works.

Xiangmi Lake Sub-district is one of Shenzhen’s first international demonstration blocks and a core site for Futian’s “Year of Internationalization” campaign. The event is part of the sub-district’s ongoing efforts to foster cultural exchange and international friendship and set a harmonious, people-centered tone ahead of the APEC 2026 China to be held in Shenzhen.