Travel Guides & Tips in this video
- Tip 1Take the high speed train from Chengdu east to Zigong for a quick, efficient transfer into lantern country. (01:16)
- Tip 2Use WeChat or Alipay with the DD mini programs to book taxis and local services for a smooth, cashless experience. (07:16)
- Tip 3Plan plenty of time at the lantern festival; the 200m lantern and drone show are must‑see highlights. (13:41)
- Tip 4Practice basic Chinese phrases for ordering in local noodle spots; translators can help bridge gaps quickly. (21:52)
In this episode from On Tour With Dridgers, Abby and Ben dive into the vibrant pulse of Sichuan by hopping a bullet train from Chengdu to Zigong just as the Chinese New Year crowds start swelling. They land in Zigong with the aim of seeing the world famous Lantern Festival, known for colossal handmade lanterns and awe‑inspiring light shows. The video follows their train hustle through a chaotic Changdu/Chengdu hub, their quick hotel check‑in that features an unexpected dinosaur themed room, and a foray into Zigong’s famed lantern spectacle. The festival unfolds as a breathtaking, almost otherworldly landscape of lanterns made from ceramics, chilies, straw, and more, with a dramatic 200‑meter mega lantern at the center and countless smaller installations. Viewers get a guided tour through sections celebrating traditional craft, child‑driven art, and interactive displays, plus drone shows and a chance for visitors to submit drawings to be displayed. The couple also shares sensory moments
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Abby and Ben kick off with the energy of a major festival crowd in Zigong, after catching a speedy rail journey from Chengdu. They check into a hotel with a playful dinosaur motif and quickly dive into the Lantern Festival, which is described as the world’s largest and most spectacular lantern display. The lights, handmade frames, and various materials—from ceramics to chilies—blow their minds as they wander through the peace and bustle of the festival grounds. A highlight is the 200‑meter mega lantern and the Mulan sculpture with its moving eyes, along with a drone show that fills the night sky. They encourage audience participation, sharing tips like using WeChat DD and local e‑hailing, and they taste Zigong’s signature rabbit noodles and spicy Sichuan cuisine. The video ends with a prompt for viewers to vote on which nearby province the couple should visit next and a reminder to subscribe for more adventures. Traveler Abby and Ben come alive in these moments, from the chaotic station to the tranquil lantern corridors and the small, human connections at a local noodle shop. The city’s energy—new year crowds, spicy food, and artisans at work—leaves a lasting impression about why Zigong’s lantern festival feels essential to Chinese culture.
FAQs (From the traveler's perspective)
- Q: What makes Zigong Lantern Festival special?
- A: It is one of the world’s most famous lantern festivals, featuring massive handmade lanterns, a 200 meter mega lantern, and interactive art from thousands of participants.
