The coming weekend will be China's annual lantern festival, so what are the celebrations across the country? We here introduce some of them in major cities.
[Photo: sohu.com]
1. Qianmen Shang Yuan Lantern Party, Beijing
Highlight: Lion dancing performances
Time: February 23 to 28
Location: Qianmen Street, Beijing
Organizers plan to restore and expand the original Shang Yuan Lantern Party which used to be held in Beijing's central Qianmen area in the Ming (1368 – 1644) and Qing (1644 – 1911) Dynasties. Featuring an exhibition of elegant handmade lanterns by craftsmen from across the nation, the party will provide a festive gathering where visitors can appreciate the art of traditional lanterns with modern technology while enjoying riddles and fun games.
Free entry
How to get there: Many bus routes would take you there but the most convenient way is to take the subway line 2 and get off at Qianmen station.
[Photo: sohu.com]
2. Wuhan Dong Hu Chu Feng Garden, Wuhan
Highlight: traditional folk art and performances at the picturesque Dong Hu scenic spot
Thousands of lanterns will be on display, including depictions of popular cartoon characters Pleasant Goat and Big Big Wolf and Peking Opera Masks and Tigers.
The lanterns are by renowned folk artists Liu Niba from Hanyang District. Every year the veteran artist holds a lantern party showcasing his own works, and this year he chose the Dong Hu scenic spot for the area's beautiful scenery and a rich culture.
One of the lanterns, which depicts five tigers, is two meters high, and another one in the shape of the character for 'Double Happiness' weighs 250 kilograms.
The lantern party lasts until the 16th of China's Lunar New Year. Besides seeing colorful lanterns, visitors can also enjoy live entertainment including fire eating, face changing, stilt walking and dragon lion dancing. Don't forget to grab some Wuhan snacks which are famous for their hot and spicy flavor.
Time: daily until March 1st. Closes at 9: 30 pm every evening.
How to get there: take bus to Li Yuan Plaza and walk 150 meters east to Chu Feng Garden.
[Photo: xinhua]
3. Hangzhou
During the Lantern Festival, people in Hangzhou city in east China's Zhejiang Province will have their spirits lifted by red lanterns strung all across the streets and as well as their famous West Lake.
Qiao Zhi Xi Jie will hold a "praying for happiness" fair featuring an exhibition of non-material cultural relics, antiques, snacks, handmade lanterns, and much more.
The magnificent lighting project at Xiang Ji Temple will be unveiled on the day of the Lantern Festival. The designer has previously been honored with an international award with his work: Jing Hang Canal Night Lightening Project.
In the Bin Jiang area, the Star Road commercial street and Bin Jiang Park are the main venues where colorful lights will be hung both overhead and by the river. On this weekend, variety shows, movies and riddles are expected to bring lots of fun to the festival.
[Photo: sohu.com]
4. Qin Huai Lantern Party, Nanjing
In Nanjing, capital city of Jiangsu Province, another party celebrating the Lantern Festival is scheduled to open to the public from February 12 to March 3rd, featuring nice lanterns from across the Taiwan Straits.
What sets the Qin Huai Lantern Party apart from the others is its setting. One of its three main venues will be at the Confucius Temple in Nanjing. The lanterns will reflect their surroundings, centering around a theme of classic stories of the Confucius and Chinese astrology, and many historical literary quotations. Being held in its 23rd year, this year's event is being co-hosted by the Chinese mainland and Taiwan for the first time.
