On June 28, 2025, the Thailand Yuyuan Lantern Festival officially lit up in Bangkok. Coinciding with the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Thailand and China, a dazzling mythological world made of Chinese lantern art illuminated the banks of the Chao Phraya River. The brilliant lanterns showcase the charm of traditional Chinese culture, creating a visually stunning spectacle that celebrates the deep friendship between the two nations.

The Chao Phraya Riverbank Transformed into a Wonderland of Mountains and Seas

This edition of the Yuyuan Lantern Festival brought the concept “A Tale of Fantastic Lanterns” to Thailand. Inspired by the four seas and eight deserts mythical geography from the Classic of Mountains and Seas (Shan Hai Jing), four islands were created to float along the Chao Phraya riverside, forming a breathtaking waterfront light and shadow spectacle. The islands teem with mysterious, vibrant plants, and auspicious mythical beasts and spirits offer blessings. Lantern groups composed of peonies and laburnum symbolize the blossoming friendship between China and Thailand.

Meanwhile, the Thailand Yuyuan Lantern Festival has evolved into a platform for cultural and commercial exchange between the two countries. Interactive immersive exhibitions, a cultural bazaar featuring local specialties from China and Thailand, and a rich variety of cultural week activities reveal the beauty of traditional Chinese culture.

Prior to this, Yuyuan Lantern Festival made its overseas debut at the end of 2023 in Paris, attracting nearly 200,000 French visitors to experience the Eastern fantasy. Earlier in 2025, the Yuyuan Lantern Festival themed displays amazed audiences in Hanoi, Vietnam, further bridging cultural exchange across borders, a testament to Fosun’s innovative cultural IP creation and development.

Revitalizing a Century-Old Intangible Cultural Heritage; Cultural IP Inspires New Commercial Scenes

With a heritage spanning more than 100 years, the Yuyuan Lantern Festival was officially recognized as a national intangible cultural heritage event in 2011. However, its explosive popularity can be traced to the 2023 edition, which redefined the lantern festival’s design and narrative by breaking away from traditional zodiac themes. The “A Tale of Fantastic Lanterns” deeply interprets the 2,000-year-old Classic of Mountains and Seas, bringing its mythical creatures and magical flora to life within the whole Yuyuanmalls, transforming the space into a romantic and fantastical ancient world.

This IP emphasizes immersive experiences and interactive platforms, creatively integrating multimedia and cutting-edge technology to redefine public perceptions of intangible lantern art. With visuals inspired by China chic, intangible heritage craftsmanship, immersive experience, and multimedia technology, “A Tale of Fantastic Lanterns” channels the immense imagination of China’s ancient texts and profound traditional culture to produce immersive fantasy lighting scenes. This transformation has turned the Yuyuan Lantern Festival from a folk custom into a highly influential cultural IP.

The 2023 festival attracted over 4 million visitors, and in the following two years, the IP’s romantic fantasy storyline extended with the “Classic of Seas” and “Forest” chapters, each continuing to draw in over four million visitors annually.

Eastern Aesthetics Illuminate the World

The “A Tale of Fantastic Lanterns” cultural IP has not only gathered an enthusiastic domestic following but also introduced Chinese mythology globally. During the 2023 festival, multiple Chinese embassies and consulates worldwide promoted the event on platforms like Facebook and X, showcasing the romantic, fantastical charm of Eastern culture.

The cute mythical beasts and exotic plants from the Classic of Mountains and Seas became recognizable “Chinese symbols” for international audiences. Netizens from the US, Europe, Korea, and India were captivated by the mythic world, becoming an important driving force behind the viral sensation of the Yuyuan Lantern Festival on X.

From Paris to Bangkok, the festival’s charm transcends dazzling lantern art and traditional craftsmanship — it derives from a deep excavation of Chinese culture, respect for local cultures, and the blend of innovative modern design with ancient intangible techniques. This has built a cultural exchange bridge where diverse regional cultures infuse fresh vitality into the “A Tale of Fantastic Lanterns”.

The Other Side of Globalization

From Paris to Bangkok, the Yuyuan Lantern Festival has gradually evolved into a global Chinese IP and a vibrant platform for cultural exchange between China and the world.

As a global innovation-driven consumer group, Fosun is committed to promoting China’s outstanding traditional culture worldwide.

Beyond the lantern festival, Fosun brands like Shede Spirits and Nanxiang Steamed Bun have expanded internationally in recent years. In April 2025, the time-honored brand “Songhelou” also launched its first overseas flagship store in London, the United Kingdom.

Rooted in China to deeply understand the allure of Chinese traditional culture, while serving the global market with broad vision, Fosun has profound operational abilities to tap the Chinese heritage of its brands in a way that resonates with global markets — a strength that enhances its broader globalization strategy.