The Guangzhou International Light Festival, a top lighting event on par with Lyon Festival of Lights in France and the Australian light festival Vivid Sydney, is set to switch on for the eighth time in Guangzhou on Nov 26.

This year's event will focus on the theme of the 40th anniversary of reform and opening-up, with four main exhibition areas - the main venue of Huacheng Square, seven bridges spanning the Pearl River, Zhujiang New Town and a sub-venue in Huangpu district.

The lighting shows at Huacheng Square will last until Dec 4 and those held in Huangpu district will run until Dec 10, both open to visitors from 18:00 to 22:00. The lighting shows at Zhujiang New Town and the bridges will last until April 25 next year, radiating Guangzhou's night from 18:00 to 22:30.

Lighting art designers from home and abroad will use various lights to create works of art showcasing the development throughout Guangzhou's 40 year's reform and opening-up. One of the highlights will be an interactive light-video show simultaneously held at Canton Tower and Huacheng Square, symbolizing the great achievements that have been made in Guangzhou over the decades.

This year also marks the 30th anniversary of the Guangzhou-Lyon sister cities relationship and a special lighting installation will be sent to France. In addition, this year's light festival will also feature special forums held in Lyon, where a series of international exchange activities will be made to share Guangzhou's image and stories with the world. 

"We are totally ready. The Eighth Guangzhou International Light Festival will present a high level of lighting art to all guests," said Huang Chengjun, director of the executive office of the Guangzhou International Light Festival Organizing Committee.

The lighting installations set up at Huacheng Square will interact with the light beams at Canton Tower during the Eighth Guangzhou International Light Festival. [Photo/gd.people.com.cn]