Mythical creatures and animals illuminated the lantern festival in Zigong, a city in southwestern China, commemorating the upcoming Lunar New Year of the Horse starting on February 17. Over 1,200 workers spent weeks crafting 200 handmade lanterns, including a 210-meter-long mythical being named “Kunpeng” and a 180-meter-long Chinese warrior, “Mulan.”
The Zigong International Lantern Festival, an annual event, will continue until the Yuanxiao Festival on March 3, marking the end of the Lunar New Year celebrations. Spectators can enjoy the mesmerizing displays showcased on the opening night.
Captivating scenes featured a variety of giant lanterns, such as one shaped like a young girl on a boat surrounded by waves, a goldfish with illuminated temple structures, and a dragon. Visitors were seen taking selfies and strolling through light installations, including a tunnel adorned with colorful lanterns in the shape of a temple.
Lanterns hold significant cultural symbolism during the Lunar New Year festivities in China, representing prosperity and spiritual guidance. The festival’s enchanting ambiance was captured through aerial views showcasing various lanterns in the shapes of animals and buildings, adding to the celebratory spirit.