Behind every China Light Festival lies a world that is imagined, designed and brought to life. For the 2025 edition in Zoo Antwerp, our Design and R&D teams aimed to go beyond the traditional lantern festival. The goal: create an immersive underwater world that feels magical, interactive and alive, while staying true to the centuries-old craftsmanship of lantern making.
The result? Magic Ocean! A glowing deep-sea adventure where visitors aren’t just spectators, but part of the story
A world seen through the eyes of a child
The core idea behind Magic Ocean is to experience the world as a child does, full of wonder and imagination.
From the moment visitors enter, the main gate – inspired by mythical sea dragons – sets the tone. It’s not just an entrance but a starting point to a world that feels alive and ever-changing, built on emotion, creativity and storytelling.
Combining tradition with modern lighting
At its heart, each lantern is crafted using traditional Chinese techniques from Zigong. Steel frames, fabric layers and hand-painting remain crucial to our lanterns’ lifelike quality. But for Antwerp, we pushed the boundaries.
Working with local partners, we blended traditional craftsmanship with dynamic lighting and vibrant colours to better suit the European winter season, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.
This balance between tradition and innovation made Magic Ocean both culturally rich and visually refreshing.
From passive viewing to active participation
One of the most exciting changes this year is the shift from passive viewing to active participation. Visitors aren’t just looking: they’re engaging. For example, in the Mermaid’s Palace, visitors control the color of the coral environment by interacting with a harp installation. Similarly, the Veggie Man awakens and speaks as visitors approach.
These are just a few examples of how we’re turning static displays into immersive experiences, allowing guests to feel connected to the story unfolding before them.
The role of AI in lantern design
A major step forward this year is the integration of AI into both design and visitor interaction. From the start, AI was used to enhance the design process, optimizing lantern structure, color composition and visual appeal. During the installation, AI takes it further, making the lanterns interact with visitors. Motion tracking, sound interactions and responsive lighting systems help create a dynamic environment that evolves in real time.
Examples include:
- Motion-activated light effects triggered by visitor movement
- Interactive characters powered by AI that respond to presence
- Installations where sound is transformed into visual elements
With AI, the visitor becomes part of the experience, influencing what they see and how the installation responds.
Designing for both creativity and execution
Non of this is possible without a thight collaboration between Design and R&D. Design lays the vision: the story, the emotion and the visuals. R&D ensures this vision can be built safely and reliably. From early sketches to full-scale installations, each element is carefully tested to ensure it works creatively and operationally.
This partnership is key to ensuring every China Light Festival is a seamless, high-quality experience across different locations.
Looking ahead: more interaction, more immersion
The Antwerp festival is part of an ongoing evolution. Moving forward, we’ll continue to push for deeper interaction and smarter experiences. AI will be integrated further, making the installations even more responsive to visitors.
Think of worlds that evolve based on visitor movement or sound. Environments that change as the evening progresses. With more immersive, interactive features, we’re pushing boundaries to create even more personal, engaging experiences.
Creating value for our partners
For venues, our projects are more than just an event – it’s a strategic opportunity. By combining storytelling, craftsmanship and interactive technology, China Light Festival helps venues:
- Increase visitors during off-peak seasons
- Create memorable, engaging experiences
- Strengthen their position as innovative, cultural destinations
With our full-service approach, from concept and design to installation and operation, China Light Festival acts as both a creative and operational partner.
Let’s build the next experience together
As we continue to innovate and expand across Europe, we’re always looking for new partners who want to create unique, large-scale light experiences.
If you’re interested in what a China Light Festival could look like at your venue, get in touch and explore the possibilities.
