Local artists perform Dunhuang dance at the Dunhuang Night Market on Jan 10. [Photo/China News Service]

The 2026 Dunhuang Lantern Festival lit up on Dec 31 at the Dunhuang Night Market and will continue to be staged there until March 31. A highlight on Jan 10 featured captivating performances by local artists, drawing visitors into the festive atmosphere.

The festival creatively interprets the region's profound historical resources, including the iconic murals of the Mogao Grottoes, ancient Dunhuang manuscripts, and the broader legacy of ancient Silk Road culture.

During the event, 22 large-scale thematic lantern sets and over 1,200 uniquely designed lanterns are on display daily. These elaborate installations artistically fuse traditional motifs with luminous craftsmanship, offering a visual journey through Dunhuang's cultural heritage.

By integrating these elements, the lantern festival aims to create an immersive experience that evokes the grandeur of the Tang Dynasty (618-907). It allows visitors to envision the bustling and prosperous night scenes that might have characterized ancient Dunhuang, connecting the present with the splendor of its past.