Mythical creatures and animals illuminated a lantern festival in the city of Zigong, located in southwest China, to celebrate the upcoming Lunar New Year of the Horse starting on February 17. Over 1,200 workers spent weeks creating 200 handmade lanterns, including a 210-meter-long mythological being named “Kunpeng” and a 180-meter-long Chinese heroine, “Mulan.”
The annual Zigong International Lantern Festival will continue until the Yuanxiao Festival on March 3, which marks the conclusion of the Lunar New Year festivities. Take a look at the stunning displays from the festival’s opening night.
Participants enjoyed taking selfies next to various light installations, including a giant lantern shaped like a dragon. Visitors also walked through a tunnel featuring colorful lanterns resembling temples, adding to the enchanting atmosphere of the festival.
Lanterns hold great significance in Chinese Lunar New Year traditions, symbolizing prosperity and guidance. The festival featured a variety of lantern installations depicting animals and buildings, creating a mesmerizing spectacle for attendees.