The highly anticipated Tianyu Lights Festival has officially opened in Grand Prairie at the Texas Trust CU Theatre Festival Grounds, and it’s nothing short of magical. Known as one of the most spectacular Chinese lantern festivals in the world, this event transforms acres of space into a glowing wonderland. With more than 250,000 light bulbs and thousands of strings of lights, it features 19 larger-than-life interactive sculptures designed to captivate visitors of all ages.

This year’s festival follows the enchanting story of Koda, a 7-year-old boy who embarks on a nighttime adventure through the magical rainforest of Caballococha, Peru. The concept was dreamed up during the pandemic in late 2020 and brought to life after over three years of creative planning. A team of skilled artisans spent months handcrafting the displays before shipping them to Texas in 60 massive containers, followed by six weeks of installation to prepare for opening night. 

“This is the first time we’ve completely pivoted from our traditional focus on botanical gardens and zoos,” Huiyuan Liu, event manager at Tianyu Arts & Culture. “We usually create educational exhibits that are scientifically accurate, but for Koda’s Adventure, we let our imaginations run wild. This show is all about offering a fantastical journey, with characters and worlds beyond anything you’d find in nature.”

Visitors to the festival will find more than just beautiful light displays. The event features numerous interactive components designed to engage all the senses and create unforgettable experiences. Highlights include:

• The Owl Spinning Tunnel: A whirlwind of lights and motion that gives visitors the sensation of flying through the night sky.
• The Wetland with the Frog: A fun, score-based game where guests can interact with a whimsical frog character.
• The Bamboo Castle: A towering, vibrant structure that includes a musical instrument and a spinning dragon that fascinates both children and adults alike.
• The Peacock: A colorful light display where visitors can pedal a bike to change the peacock's tail color.
• Dragon Nest: Step onto special boards that trigger a color-changing effect, awakening a dragon.
• Magical Forest with Pine Trees: A hidden treasure box is waiting to be discovered among the illuminated pine trees near the festival's main stage.
• Mist Forest Tunnel: At 150 feet long, this mesmerizing light tunnel offers a dramatic and immersive experience as guests walk through misty, illuminated pathways.
• Interactive Piano Dance Floor: A 20ft by 60ft area near the main stage where visitors can create their own music by stepping on illuminated piano keys embedded in the floor.
• Dragons of Two Worlds: Both Chinese and Western-style dragons make appearances at four different locations throughout the festival, carefully tucked into hidden corners of the grounds. 

In addition to the visual feast, the festival also offers a taste of traditional Chinese culture, with five food vendors and two handicraft vendors selling intricate Chinese artwork, such as inner-bottle paintings and aluminum weaving.

The creation of Koda’s Adventure took years of planning and more than just skillful artistry. The festival organizers worked tirelessly to ensure the event was accessible to all guests, including those with wheelchairs and strollers. A new pedestrian path was constructed specifically for the event, ensuring that everyone can experience the magic of the lights up close.

“This is one of our largest and most intricate installations to date,” said Huiyuan Liu.  “It’s been a long journey from the initial concept to the final installation, but it’s all been worth it. We’re excited to share our work with D/FW and hope that visitors leave feeling inspired and amazed.”

Tianyu Lights Festival is now open at the Texas Trust CU Theatre Festival Grounds and will run through January 19, 2024. The festival is open every Tuesday through Sunday, from 5:30 PM to 10:00 PM, offering a perfect opportunity to explore the enchanting world of light and culture during the holiday season. With interactive exhibits, nightly performances and a variety of food and handmade souvenirs, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.