The 45th Spring Festival lantern fair at the World's Best Spring Scenic Area will light up Jinan from Feb 14, 2026, featuring the city's spring culture, historical figures, and cultural heritage in a unified nightscape.

The fair, spanning Baotu Spring, Wulongtan Park, Daming Lake, and the city moat, includes 35 large lantern installations that blend tradition with contemporary aesthetics. Many displays take inspiration from Jinan's cultural figures, such as poets Li Qingzhao (1084–1155) and Xin Qiji (1140–1207).

Intangible cultural heritage will be a highlight this year. Elements of Lyu Opera are reimagined through large lanterns inspired by performers' headgear. The craftsmanship has evolved, using 3D printing and traditional bamboo weaving to improve craftsmanship and sustainability.

The fair also offers experiences across its venues. Visitors to Wulongtan Park can join lantern rituals to make wishes for the coming year, while the Daming Lake scenic area presents a new take on the fictional figure Xia Yuhe. Along the city moat, night cruises offer a view of the illuminated landscape from the water.

Lantern displays at the Baotu Spring scenic area will run through March 8, with exhibitions at Daming Lake and Wulongtan Park continuing until March 22.

A massive lantern recreating the Lyu Opera headgear glows at the fair. [Photo/WeChat account: jnbtq1]

A stylized Xia Yuhe lantern naps on a lounge chair, adding a playful touch to the lakeside. [Photo/WeChat account: jnbtq1]