Lantern Show Lights up East Lake of Wuhan

(Source: AsiaNet)

A long-awaited lantern show opened in the East Lake Park of Wuhan in central China on Feb. 23. Over 38,000 visitors spent a magnificent night on the first day of the opening, according to Wuhan East Lake Eco-Tourism Scenic Area Management Committee.

A dragon lantern that stretched nearly 200 meters caught everyone's eyes. One hundred tourists were even invited to dance with the moving "dragon."

At 6:18 p.m., the huge dragon and another 51 huge colored lanterns were lightened simultaneously, turning the whole park into a wonderland.

Wandering about in the park, one can appreciate lanterns arranged in different areas under six themes, and have a taste of traditional Chinese culture.

At the gate, revolving palace lanterns, large and small, sent out new year blessings. Near the Tower of Long Days, a major building in the park, a 22.5-meter-high lantern was erected into the clouds - lions on four sides, weighing 15 tonnes, was full of arrogance and expected to set a Guinness world record for the highest festive lantern on the planet.

Smaller lanterns featuring Peking Opera figures and antique vases also attracted crowds. A dozen of lovely dog-shaped lanterns appeared in every corner of the park, bringing best wishes to children for the Lunar Year of the Dog.

In a section designed to promote traditional Chinese poetry and local culture, poems and Chinese characters were cleverly planted in each and every lantern. A 5-year-old girl who came with her parents was reciting a classic poem of Li Bai, a talented Tang Dynasty poet. In addition, local cultural relics and intangible cultural heritages were also shown by lanterns.

Technology also played a vital role in this year's lantern show. Water curtain laser show and three-dimensional projection enriched the experience for the viewers. Robot tour guides answered questions patiently and nicely, which won them many fans instantly.

In the park, a Taiwan food carnival spiced up the atmosphere. Over 50 stallholders from Taiwan brought a total 110 different snacks from the island, which was a real treat for show goers.

The lantern show will run through to the end of March.