Celebrating a Decade of Tianyu in the U.S: Lighting Up Lives and Spreading Happiness Through Lantern Art
The ten-year journey of Tianyu is a testament to how far the organization has come, the stories it has illuminated, and the global impact it has made. Tianyu’s path has been one of craftsmanship and innovation—creating lasting memories and bringing joy to the world.
Tianyu’s story began in 1997 in China, where the team spent over a decade mastering the traditional Chinese art of lantern-making. In 2009, the company took its first bold step overseas by hosting a lantern festival in Emmen, Netherlands. This event was more than just a debut; it marked the start of a global mission. The success of that festival revealed the potential for sharing ancient craftsmanship with audiences across Europe and the United States.
The company’s goal became clear: to share lantern traditions, artistry, and modern innovations with a global audience. Tianyu aimed to produce festivals that not only captivate but also educate and connect. With a dedication to authenticity, innovation, and immersive experience, its designers, artisans, and operations experts bring over two decades of experience to every event. They continue to push the boundaries of lantern art while staying true to the roots of this ancient craft.
Tianyu has since produced over 150 light festivals in more than 50 U.S. cities, welcoming over 10 million visitors. These awe-inspiring displays foster a deeper connection with nature and culture, creating opportunities for meaningful dialogue between humans and the natural world.
Tianyu’s journey has been marked by incredible achievements:
• 2014: Expansion into North America with the opening of a U.S. subsidiary in Chicago.
• 2015: Launch of the first U.S. festival—the Washington State Chinese Lantern Festival in Spokane, which drew over 70,000 attendees.
• 2022: Hosting over 20 U.S. events, welcoming nearly 2 million visitors.
• 2022: Hosting over 20 U.S. events, welcoming nearly 2 million visitors.
• 2023: Expansion to more than 30 U.S. events, including the debut of Tianyu Lights – Koda’s Adventure Lantern Festival, offering audiences an immersive experience.
• 2024: An anticipated 40 U.S. events are projected to reach over 3 million visitors, with the Koda’s Adventure Lantern Festival expanding to cities such as New York and Dallas.
For many years, Tianyu has used its creations to portray creatures of the past, tiny wonders of nature, and endangered species. Through these displays, the company fosters dialogues between humans and nature, raising public awareness about animal conservation and environmental protection.
Tianyu’s dedication to innovation is evident in its commitment to developing new products and creating fresh, exciting festival experiences. With a passion for bringing people together through magnificent light art, the team consistently delivers authentic and interactive events in partnership with destinations around the globe.
Several of Tianyu’s festivals have left a lasting impression:
• Cary: Started in 2015, now hosting its ninth year, with an annual attendance exceeding 200,000 in recent years.
• Philadelphia: One of the longest-running festivals, launched in 2016, with nearly 1 million total visitors over seven years.
• Boston: A popular event first introduced during the pandemic in 2020, drawing around 200,000 attendees annually.
• Milwaukee: One of Tianyu’s longest-running festivals, launched in 2016, and the first to be held in a botanical garden. It has since become a cherished annual tradition.
With the slogan “Illuminate Life, Spread Happiness,” Tianyu remains committed to delivering the highest level of quality and experience. By building on years of expertise and maintaining strong relationships with partners, the company continues to bring joy to audiences of all ages.
As Tianyu looks to the future, it aims to expand to even more cities, bringing its dazzling festivals to new audiences and creating unforgettable memories for everyone.
