Core Theme - The 40th Longqingxia Ice Lantern Art Festival opened in Beijing's Yanqing District, themed "Longqing Legend: Tribute to Classics," inspired by the classic Chinese animation "Havoc in Heaven" [1] Group 1: Event Highlights - The festival features a spectacular ice environment based on "Havoc in Heaven," complemented by a stunning "mountain laser show" for a visual feast [1] - The opening ceremony included a performance of the city-level intangible cultural heritage "Ice Snow Bamboo Horse" dance, merging ice and snow romance with folk customs [3] - The Beijing Peking Opera Troupe performed "Trouble in the Dragon Palace," blending the legendary journey with the ice and snow atmosphere [3] Group 2: Scale and Experience - This year's festival is the largest and oldest ice lantern exhibition in North China, with a total area of 500,000 square meters, including 200,000 square meters for lantern and ice displays [5] - The ice lantern exhibition area is the core highlight, featuring a complete story line with four main exhibition zones: "Monkey Appears," "Dragon Palace Borrows Treasure," "Havoc in Heaven," and "Becoming a Marquis" [6] Group 3: Exhibition Details - The exhibition includes over 20 large themed ice structures and more than 150 exquisite ice sculptures that accurately recreate classic scenes [6] - Notable features include a 13.6-meter tall "Southern Heaven Gate" ice structure and the "Lingxiao Palace" showcasing the grandeur of the heavenly realm [9] - The "Peach Blossom Banquet" scene presents a dreamlike environment with ice sculptures of celestial peaches and flowing lights [9] Group 4: Lantern Display - The lantern exhibition features 18 large themed lantern groups and 180 smaller lanterns, focusing on zodiac celebrations, mythology, and auspicious meanings [11] - The lanterns include vibrant displays such as "Four Dragons Playing with Pearls" and "Phoenixes Presenting Auspiciousness," enhancing the festive atmosphere [11] Group 5: Duration and Activities - The ice lantern art festival will last until early March, spanning over 50 days, with nightly "mountain laser shows" scheduled [12] - Daily interactive events featuring NPCs in northern ethnic costumes will take place, allowing visitors to engage and take photos [12] - Residents born in 1987 can exchange their ID for a free ticket to celebrate their birthday at the festival [12]