Mythical creatures and animals illuminated a lantern festival in the southwestern city of Zigong, China, to mark the upcoming Lunar New Year of the Horse, starting on February 17. Over 1,200 workers spent weeks crafting 200 handmade lanterns, featuring a 210-meter-long mythological figure called “Kunpeng” and a 180-meter-long Chinese heroine named “Mulan.”
The annual Zigong International Lantern Festival will continue until the Yuanxiao Festival on March 3, which signifies the conclusion of the Lunar New Year festivities. The event kicked off with a spectacular display on opening night, showcasing the intricate lantern designs.
Attendees marveled at various installations, including a giant lantern resembling a young girl on a boat with waves and another shaped like a goldfish with temple structures glowing in the background. Visitors enjoyed capturing moments with the light installations, taking selfies with a dragon lantern and strolling through a tunnel adorned with colorful lanterns shaped like temples.
Lanterns play a significant role in Chinese Lunar New Year traditions, symbolizing auspiciousness and providing guidance for the year ahead. The festival featured a diverse array of lantern designs, illuminating the park with animal and architectural motifs of varying sizes and shapes, creating a mesmerizing spectacle for all to enjoy.