Guangzhou International Light Festival kicks off

The annual Guangzhou International Light Festival, one of the world's major lighting events, kicked off on Sunday evening.

For the first time, Guangzhou's landmarks, including the Canton Tower, the Guangzhou CTF Finance Centre, and the Guangzhou International Finance Center, will synchronize a grand light show, creating a stunning visual centerpiece for the festival.

The event will feature 36 light art installations across the city's new central axis and the Pearl River waterfront, where 24 buildings will become dynamic displays of animation and projection.

A key highlight is the integration of technology and interaction. Installations will use AI-generated content and interactive projections to make spectators part of the artwork, while some exhibits will blend sports themes with light design, echoing the spirit of the National Games.

"This year's light festival weaves in rich cultural elements from the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA). For instance, highlights include the iconic Aoyu fish from the 15th National Games, the event's mascots, traditional pavilions, banana leaves and more, allowing visitors to relish the dazzling lights while reliving wonderful memorable moments from the National Games opening ceremony" said Shi Qianjin, chief director of the 2025 Guangzhou International Light Festival.

The breakout star of the 15th National Games opening ceremony, the dazzling iconic Aoyu fish, made a triumphant return, "swimming" back into the spotlight at the lighting ceremony.  The golden, dragon-headed, fish-bodied giant lantern drew waves of cheers and a frenzy of camera flashes from the thrilled crowd.

"I think the Aoyu fish lantern behind me is the undisputed star of this year's festival, drawing crowds eager to admire its spectacular presence," said a tourist.

The light festival, together with the 15th National Games running from Nov. 9 to 21, and the 32nd Guangzhou Garden Expo (Autumn Session) from Oct. 30 to Dec. 5, has formed a coordinated "triple-event synergy," creating an all-day, citywide cultural tourism experience that combines daytime flower viewing, evening light displays and round-the-clock sporting excitement.

According to organizers, this year's light festival will run through Nov. 26.