Light show brings Beijing's Liangma River, Chaoyang Park to life

Beijing's Chaoyang district, home to the city's central business district and embassies, is marking the National Day holiday with a program of light installations, performances and illuminated attractions along the Liangma River and in Chaoyang Park. (Photos provided to the People's Daily; compiled by Han Xiaomeng and intern Lu Zhengkun)

The 2026 Beijing Chaoyang International Light Consumption Season runs from September 24 to October 11, bringing light and multimedia installations across the district.

The event combines riverside lighting, projection and 3D effects with music and illuminated public spaces. Visitors can view the installations from the riverside or from tour boats on the river, where illuminated bridges and riverside displays become part of the show and the lights are designed to work with the water's movement.

Among the featured installations is "Wind Among the Lotus," which uses the river's surface as part of its display. Large illuminated lotus forms appear across the nighttime landscape, with changing colors and music. The lotus is a recurring image in Chinese art, often associated with purity, and the installation uses empty space and reflection to create its effect.

Another attraction is on North Lake in Chaoyang Park, one of Beijing's largest public parks. A 13.5-meter cube installation forms the centerpiece of a multimedia display, with naked-eye 3D imagery projected onto and around it, changing continuously after dark.

The program also includes musical performances around the Liangma River, combining live music with the illuminated surroundings.

The event is part of a wider effort to bring together cultural activity, tourism and evening consumption in the district. Businesses and organizations have taken part, and some displays draw on imagery associated with Beijing and its cultural heritage.

Multiple enterprises in Beijing, such as the Industrial Bank Beijing Chaoyang Sub-branch, have participated in creating the IP for the Chaoyang Light Festival. The image showcases the scenery of the Beijing Central Axis featured in the light show.

The program runs until October 11. Arrangements for individual performances and boat services may vary during the festival, so visitors should check the program before setting out.