Genshin Impact

The Lantern Rite is one of Genshin Impact's most anticipated annual events, returning every year around the Lunar New Year to celebrate in-game culture, lore, and community fun. Set in the bustling port of Liyue, this vibrant festival blends narrative content, limited-time challenges, and generous rewards that appeal to both new and veteran Travelers alike.

For players who want to experience the festival content without lengthy early-game preparation, some choose to buy Genshin Impact account from Z2U, allowing immediate access to event quests, characters, and high-level content.

What is Lantern Rite?

In the world of Teyvat, the Lantern Rite festival honors tradition, remembrance, and hope. In Liyue's lore, the festival originally began as a way for villagers to help guide soldiers home by releasing lanterns into the night sky. Over time, this practice evolved into a tribute to those who lost their lives during the Archon War and now stands as Liyue's largest and most festive yearly celebration.

Although Genshin Impact generally avoids real-world holidays, Lantern Rite serves as the game's analogue to Chinese New Year, reflecting similar themes of reunion, prosperity, and fresh beginnings.

When and How Long Does It Run?

The Lantern Rite festival usually lasts several weeks, beginning in late January or early February and concluding in mid- to late February. In 2026, for example, Lantern Rite started on January 30 and ran through February 23 during the Version 6.3 update.

To participate, players must meet basic unlock requirements such as achieving Adventure Rank 20 or above and completing the Archon Quest Prologue up to the required point. Once unlocked, all Lantern Rite-related quests, mini-games, and rewards become available.

Key Features of the Festival

1. Narrative Questline

Each Lantern Rite event includes a seasonal story quest. In 2026's iteration, the narrative revolves around Zibai, a mysterious character tied to celestial lore, and her fragmented essence. Players embark on story stages that expand the game's worldbuilding and offer engaging cutscenes and lore pieces.

These quests not only deepen your understanding of Liyue culture but also reward you with Primogems, Hero's Wit, and more upon completion.

2. Mini-Games & Activities

A hallmark of Lantern Rite are the event-specific mini-games scattered across Liyue. These include:

● Xiao Lanterns & Fortune Coins: Players can release lanterns with custom greetings that may even appear in other players' worlds. Gathering Auspicious Fortune Coins from various activities fuels shop progress.

● Vigorous Brushstrokes (Side-Scroller): A 2D platforming challenge where you collect Jade while avoiding obstacles, testing reflexes and precision.

● Combat Trials: Battle waves of enemies under time constraints to earn Charm Coins, which can be exchanged for rewards.

● Exploration Tasks: Players hunt special Auspicious Trees around Liyue Harbor and interact with other event props for bonus currencies and items.

These mini-games are designed to be replayable and enjoyable, allowing you to earn both small and large amounts of event currency that unlock various goodies.

3. Unique Rewards

Lantern Rite typically offers a mix of cosmetic and in-game progression rewards:

● Free 4-Star Character: A fan-favorite feature is the choice of a free Liyue 4-star character, selectable once you reach certain Festive Fever milestones.

● Intertwined Fates & Primogems: Players can often claim a collection of Intertwined Fates and Primogems through daily logins, mail rewards, and event tasks—sometimes adding up to 20+ free wishes worth of currency.

● Event Shop Items & Skins: Exclusive character outfits, like the Yaoyao skin from 2026, can be redeemed with event coins earned in activities. To unlock premium banners or cosmetics faster, many players choose to top up Genshin Impact Genesis Crystals at z2u.com, ensuring they don't miss time-limited opportunities.

● Hero's Wit, Enhancement Materials, & Mora: Standard progression materials are plentiful during Lantern Rite, helping players level up characters and gear.

Tips for Maximizing Rewards

● Prioritize Main Quests: Always complete the main Lantern Rite storyline first to unlock maximum event currencies and bonuses.

● Explore Every Mini-Game: Don't skip any activity. Even side tasks like lantern crafting or small combat challenges contribute to your currency pool.

● Shop Early: Spend event currency early on exclusive skins or items you value, as some may be limited or time-locked.

● Daily Login: Make sure to log in every day for the full set of complimentary rewards.

Conclusion

The Lantern Rite festival remains one of Genshin Impact's most festive and rewarding seasonal events, combining cultural storytelling with engaging gameplay and generous rewards. Whether you're chasing free characters, earning Primogems, or simply soaking in the vibrant atmosphere of Liyue's night sky lit by floating lanterns, there's something for every Traveler to enjoy.