Magical night with dragons... at the zoo
Giant Lanterns of China (Edinburgh Zoo) Verdict: Gives a warm glow... but wrap up well ★★★★★
EVERY child surely dreams of getting up close with the creatures at Edinburgh Zoo.
But, for reasons not immediately obvious to a four-year-old, mixing it up with lions and tigers and bears – oh my! – usually comes with a health warning.
Now, however, children – and adults – can experience pandas, zebras, chimpanzees and the rest in a night-time show in the grounds of Scotland’s world-famous zoo.
The Giant Lanterns of China features more than 450 bespoke lanterns over 25 installations spread across a one-mile loop.
Opening in the early evening so visitors can appreciate the illuminations at their best, the festival has its roots in the relationship between the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland and Sichuan, where Edinburgh’s pandas were born. As well as animatronic creatures there is a breathtaking 115ft long dragon. Our little ones particularly enjoyed the acrobatic performances which take place on stage next to the Temple of Heaven. A word of advice: in bitterly cold February be sure to wrap up warm. Giant Lanterns of China runs until Feb 25. Tickets: edinburghzoo.org.uk.