The 31st Zigong International Dinosaur Lantern Festival—Why Wouldn't You Want to Go?

Here's a travel guide for the 31st Zigong International Dinosaur Lantern Festival: Lantern Festival Information • Dates: The lighting ceremony will kick off on January 17, 2025. From February 5–12, the park will be open from 16:00–23:00, with the lanterns lit from 18:00. From February 13–May 5, the park will be open from 17:00–22:30, with the lanterns lit from 18:30. Closing time will be extended to 23:00 on Fridays, Saturdays, and public holidays. • Location: Zigong Chinese Lantern World, located on Dongyandu Avenue, Yantan District, Zigong. • Theme: Lighting Up China, A Myriad of Wonders. Ticket Information • Ticket prices: During the first 15 days of the Lunar New Year (January 17–31), adult tickets are CNY 168/person, and senior and student tickets are CNY 98/person. From February 1–12 and February 13 onward, regular prices apply: adult tickets are CNY 118/person, and senior and student tickets are CNY 80/person. There's also a CNY 368 Wanderer Pass, which grants unlimited entry for the pass holder throughout the festival. • How to purchase tickets: Tickets can be pre-purchased online via the official WeChat accounts of the Zigong Culture, Radio, Television, and Tourism Bureau and Zigong Chinese Lantern World. Free ticket reservations can also be made through these channels. Offline ticket purchases can be made at the ticket office of the Zigong Chinese Lantern World Tourist Center or by scanning the QR code on-site, starting January 18. • Free admission policy: Children 1.3m (inclusive) and under, seniors 70 (inclusive) and older, tour guides, firefighters, people with disabilities, journalists, active-duty military personnel, and disabled veterans can enter the park for free with valid ID. Reservations must be made in advance through the official WeChat account. Transportation Guide • By car: The drive from Chengdu, Chongqing, and other surrounding cities to Zigong takes about 2 hrs. There are several large parking lots around the park. • Public transportation: Zigong has launched four special tourist bus routes for the lantern festival, making it easy for visitors to travel from the city center to the park. The routes include: Route 6: Huidong Bus Hub ↔ Lantern World Tourist Distribution Center; Route 8: Gongjing ↔ Lantern World Tourist Distribution Center; Route 10: Fantawild Bus Terminal ↔ Lantern World Tourist Distribution Center; Route 11: High-Speed Rail Station ↔ Lantern World Tourist Distribution Center. The fare is CNY 3/person for a single journey. Lantern Viewing Tips • Plan your time wisely: The park is most crowded between 19:00 and 21:00. It's recommended to visit before or after this period. • Clothing suggestions: Zigong can be quite cold in winter, so dress warmly. Wear a thick coat, long pants, and comfortable shoes. Sunglasses are also recommended to protect your eyes. • Safety and etiquette: Be mindful of safety and follow park regulations. Do not climb on the lantern displays or touch electrical wires or other dangerous objects. Be respectful of other visitors. In-Depth Experiences • Sample local cuisine: Zigong is known for its Yanbang cuisine. Try local specialties like cold rabbit, fresh hot pot rabbit, and salt-fried pork. • Explore historical sites: Zigong has a rich history. Visit the Zigong Salt Industry History Museum and the Shenhai Well. Other Reminders • Plan your itinerary in advance: This includes transportation, accommodation, and lantern viewing times. • Bring essential items: Such as your phone, a portable charger, a camera, and a thermos. • Keep a positive attitude: Relax and enjoy this spectacular festival of lights.