Mythical creatures and animals illuminated a lantern festival in Zigong, a city in southwest 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, including a 210-meter-long mythological being named “Kunpeng” and a 180-meter-long Chinese heroine called “Mulan.”
The Zigong International Lantern Festival is an annual event that will continue until the Yuanxiao Festival on March 3, marking the conclusion of the Lunar New Year celebrations. Take a look at the spectacular scenes captured on the opening night.
Participants enjoyed taking selfies with the various light installations, including a giant lantern shaped like a dragon. Visitors also strolled through an illuminated tunnel featuring a colorful temple-shaped lantern, embracing the festive ambiance.
Lanterns hold a significant role in Chinese Lunar New Year traditions, symbolizing auspiciousness and providing symbolic guidance. The festival showcased a diverse array of giant lanterns in animal and architectural designs, creating a mesmerizing spectacle for attendees.