Core Viewpoint - The 40th Qinhuai Lantern Festival will officially open on February 17 and run until March 6, with some exhibition areas extending to March 31, aiming to create a cultural feast that combines historical depth with modern vitality [1] Group 1: Event Details - The festival will feature 8 exhibition areas with approximately 390 sets of lanterns, focusing on key locations such as the Confucius Temple, Laomen Dong, and Bailuzhou Park, with a sub-venue in the southern new city [3] - The theme of this year's festival is "A Thousand Years of Lanterns Shine on Jinling, Four Decades of Splendor Open a New Journey," emphasizing cultural heritage and modern storytelling through themed lantern designs along the Qinhuai River [3] - A grand lighting ceremony will take place on January 21, incorporating holographic projections and laser technology, and will include a global interactive segment [3] Group 2: Visitor Experience - The cultural tourism department has planned three themed travel routes: a classic one-day tour, an in-depth two-day tour, and a leisurely three-day tour, connecting lantern viewing, sightseeing, and culinary experiences [4] - Over 200 cultural activities will be launched from the lighting ceremony until the Lantern Festival, including immersive performances and special shows at various cultural venues [5] Group 3: Community Engagement - The festival introduces a "one ticket connects all, full-domain benefits" initiative, allowing ticket holders to enjoy discounts on food, attractions, shopping, and accommodations, aimed at enhancing visitor engagement and spending [7] - Preparations for the festival are in the final stages, with a comprehensive safety assurance system in place to ensure a successful event [7]