Yuyuan Garden Lantern Fair kicks off
THE Yuyuan Garden Lantern Fair, one of the most popular Chinese New Year celebrations in Shanghai, began yesterday, marking the 29th dazzling display of the national-level intangible cultural heritage.
This year, the fair continues the theme of “Mountain and Sea,” with a focus on the “Sea Chapter,” highlighting dragons and mythical creatures from the “Classic of Mountains and Seas” for the upcoming Year of the Dragon.
The 40-day event features a blend of traditional Chinese New Year flavors and the mysteries of the seas. Four main entrances and five major scenes at the fair present a surreal world, with the zodiac dragon intermingling with marine flora and fauna.
Visitors enter through the four main gates, guarded by dragon gods, leading to an underwater world. Each gate extends New Year wishes and good fortune to the public.
Inside, different zones create a special underwater realm. At the Golden Square, an inverted mountain and a colorful coral-like tree stand, surrounded by magical fruits and lively fish. A gold tree, a popular wishing spot from earlier, invites visitors to make New Year wishes.
The Ninghui Road lantern display, known as “Fish and Dragons Dance Overnight,” showcases colorful fish forming a dragon, weaving through traditional Chinese architectural elements. At the Central Square, a giant yellow dragon encircles a blue sphere lifted by waves, symbolizing protection and growth. Various dragons dance among the waves, creating a vibrant scene.
The iconic Zigzag Bridge leads to a deep-sea world, where fish and dragons interact and create a charming atmosphere. The bridge itself features a dragon horse installation surrounded by leaping fish, pearls, and corals, which symbolize prosperity and happiness.
Yuyuan Old Street is adorned with dragon-patterned palace lanterns. Inspired by Suzhou Silk Museum collections, they trace the evolution of dragon patterns through time.
A lighting ceremony was held last night, marked by dazzling lights, drum music and dancers celebrating the New Year.
In collaboration with Alipay, this year’s fair introduces an augmented reality interactive experience, allowing visitors to enjoy a virtual lantern fair and lighting ceremony.
This year, the lantern fair extends its reach globally, with simultaneous events in Shanghai and Paris, marking the 60th anniversary of Sino-French diplomatic relations and the SinoFrance Culture and Tourism Year.
Admission tickets are required for the local event between February 10 — Spring Festival — and February 25. Tickets cost 80 yuan (US$11.1) for adults and 50 yuan for children.