As the Mid-Autumn Festival approaches, Guangzhou Cultural Park is gearing up to welcome visitors with its dazzling Lantern Festival. Themed "Vibrant Bay Area, Colorful Guangzhou," the event will officially illuminate on September 15th and run until September 17th, the Mid-Autumn Festival itself, as well as from October 1st to 7th, spanning a total of 10 days. This year's festival boasts a grand showcase of 32 large and medium-sized lantern groups and nearly 2,000 atmospheric lanterns, all free of charge.
In addition to the lantern displays, a range of cultural activities such as lantern-making competitions for students, exhibitions of calligraphy, painting, bonsai, and rocks, as well as song and dance performances, riddle-guessing games, traditional music, and storytelling, will enrich the experience for all attendees.
The festival is divided into two main zones: "Ancient Charm Illuminates the Bay Area" and "Artistic Heritage Fosters New Rhythms." The former, located at the main entrance plaza and central plaza, showcases lanterns that evoke the historical depth and festive atmosphere of ancient lantern displays.
The "Ten Thousand Lanterns" and "Ten-Mile Lantern Street" lanterns, inspired by the ancient painting "Upper Yuan Lantern Festival," recreate the splendor of the Ming Dynasty's lantern festivities. Other lanterns like "Celestial Palace Moon Gathering" and "Water Town Poetic Charm" incorporate local Lingnan culture, adding a touch of regional charm.
Given that 2024 is the Year of the Dragon, dragon motifs are prominently featured throughout the festival. The centerpiece, "Double Dragons Playing with the Pearl," stands nearly 40 meters long and 7 meters high, showcasing two majestic golden dragons chasing a dazzling pearl. This impressive lantern combines traditional lighting techniques with modern technology, while the pearl incorporates the "ivory carving" technique from Guangdong's renowned "three carvings, one color, and one embroidery" non-heritage arts.
The "Artistic Heritage Fosters New Rhythms" zone, centered on the southwest plaza, showcases lanterns that fuse traditional designs with modern materials and innovations. The centerpiece, "Silver Moonlight Celebrates Reunion," depicts a picturesque scene of the full moon and floral decorations, complemented by rotating images of the iconic buildings of the Greater Bay Area. Other lanterns like "Glowing Fish Lamps" and "Deer in the Enchanted Forest" seamlessly blend with the park's natural scenery, creating a magical atmosphere.
Location: Guangzhou Culture Park (广州文化公园), No. 37, Xidi 2nd Road, Liwan District (广州市荔湾区西堤二马路37号), Guangzhou
Nearby metro station: Cultural Park Station (文化公园站), Line 6/Line 8
Author | Clarice
Photo | Liwan District Publicity Department
Editor | Monica, James
