China Light Festival - Cologne Zoo

After drawing in over 100.000 visitors last year, this year’s China Light Festival returns to Cologne Zoo for a stunning new edition on the outskirts of the city of Cologne. This glowing festival includes several references to the history of the zoo and Chinese culture and legends.

Spectacular China Light Festival at the zoo

The latest edition of the China Light Festival offers a beautiful colourful spectacle for the whole family! Influenced by Chinese legends and arts, the festival sees several atmospheric illuminated animals and fantasy light sculptures set up across the Cologne Zoo grounds. 

Bigger and more varied than ever before, the China Light Festival now extends over the whole zoo area. This year’s event is set to include many innovations, such as the playground “locomotive” zoo-Lok, an illuminated replica of the famous train that is sure to make children’s hearts beat faster. 

See glowing tigers and shining dragons

New to the China Light Festival are various interactive figures, such as a five-metre tall giant octopus, a ten-metre long tunnel with various giraffe shapes, and glistening polar bears. Another highlight is the 22-metre long giant white shark, whose mouth you can enter - if you dare. 

Next to the illuminated sculptures and installations is a bright supporting programme of entertainment. Several Chinese artisans, musicians and dancers will present a stage show at the Zoo restaurant during the evening, perfect for the entire family. The Zoo gastronomy will also offer several Asian-themed snacks at various points along the light festival route. 

Attending the China Light Festival 

See the Cologne Zoo under a whole new light at the China Light Festival! All animal houses will be closed during the event in the evening, so as to not disturb them.

For more details on the event, visit the Cologne Zoo website.