On Sunday, November 16, the gigantic Aoyu fish lantern glided back into the spotlight at the ongoing 2025 Guangzhou International Light Festival in the Chinese mainland. This luminous masterpiece first wowed crowds at this year's 15th National Games, and its comeback drew cheers from festivalgoers. 🐉🔆🐟
Standing tall and floating gracefully above the water, the lantern merges a dragon's head with a fish's body in a vibrant tribute to Lingnan folklore. Its inflatable form and bright LED lights create a surreal, dreamlike atmosphere along the Pearl River.
The design team spent eight months bringing this colossal artwork to life, sketching intricate scales and sculpting a fierce dragon visage that transitions into the shimmering fish tail. The result? A breathtaking blend of art, engineering, and cultural storytelling.
Rooted in Guangdong's heritage, the Aoyu fish is a legendary and auspicious beast worshiped as a guardian by local people. Its presence at major events has become a symbol of good fortune, unity, and the enduring magic of Lingnan folk culture.
Don't miss your chance to see this dazzling giant before the festival wraps up later this month. If you're in Guangzhou, come capture some epic photos and let the Aoyu fish lantern light up your night!
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
