What are the best things to do and see during the Lantern Festival in China ?

The Lantern Festival, also known as Yuan Xiao Jie in Chinese, is a traditional Chinese festival celebrated on the 15th day of the first lunar month. It marks the end of the Chinese New Year celebrations and is a time for families to come together, enjoy delicious food, and admire beautiful lantern displays. Here are some of the best things to do and see during the Lantern Festival in China: ## **Attend Lantern Displays and Parades** ### **Lantern Displays** One of the most iconic aspects of the Lantern Festival is the vibrant lantern displays that light up cities and towns across China. These lanterns come in various shapes and sizes, from traditional Chinese zodiac animals to modern designs and themes. Some popular locations for lantern displays include: - **Beijing**: The Temple of Earth Park hosts a spectacular lantern show with over 1,000 lanterns on display. - **Shanghai**: The Shanghai International Tourism Resort offers a dazzling lantern festival with both traditional and contemporary designs. - **Chengdu**: The Chengdu Cultural Park features an impressive array of giant panda-themed lanterns. ### **Parades** Many cities also host colorful parades featuring dancers, musicians, and performers dressed in traditional costumes. These parades often include floats adorned with lanterns, adding to the festive atmosphere. Some notable parade locations include: - **Guangzhou**: The Guangzhou Lantern Festival Parade showcases elaborate floats and cultural performances throughout the city. - **Hangzhou**: The West Lake Scenic Area hosts a stunning lantern parade along its picturesque shores. ## **Enjoy Local Cuisine** Food plays a significant role in the Lantern Festival, with many regions having their own unique dishes and customs. One must-try treat is tangyuan or sweet glutinous rice balls, which symbolize family unity and completeness. Other regional specialties include: - **Northern China**: Jiaozi (dumplings) filled with meat or vegetables. - **Southern China**: Niangao (sticky cake made from glutinous rice flour). - **Eastern China**: Nian Gao (New Year cake made from glutinous rice flour). ## **Participate in Local Customs** ### **Guessing Riddles** Another popular activity during the Lantern Festival is guessing riddles written on lanterns. This tradition dates back centuries and is believed to bring good luck. Many parks and public spaces set up lantern riddle corners where people can challenge themselves and others to solve these intriguing puzzles. ### **Dragon and Lion Dances** Dragon and lion dances are common sights during the Lantern Festival, especially in southern China. These energetic performances involve intricate choreography and require strength and coordination from the performers. They are believed to bring good fortune and drive away evil spirits. Some places to catch these captivating dances include: - **Hong Kong**: The Hong Kong Tourism Board organizes a massive dragon dance competition during the festival. - **Macau**: The Macau Government Tourist Office hosts a colorful dragon and lion dance parade through the streets of Macau. ## **Shop for Souvenirs** Many vendors set up temporary stalls selling all sorts of souvenirs related to the Lantern Festival, such as miniature lanterns, bookmarks, keychains, and more. These make great mementos of your experience and gifts for friends and family back home. Popular shopping spots include: - **Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street** (Shanghai): A bustling shopping area with numerous stalls selling festival goods. - **Panjiayuan Antique Market** (Beijing): Offers a wide range of traditional Chinese handicrafts and souvenirs.

Best Things to Do and See During the Lantern Festival in China

The Lantern Festival, also known as Yuan Xiao Jie in Chinese, is a traditional Chinese festival celebrated on the 15th day of the first lunar month. It marks the end of the Chinese New Year celebrations and is a time for families to come together, enjoy delicious food, and admire beautiful lantern displays. Here are some of the best things to do and see during the Lantern Festival in China:

Attend Lantern Displays and Parades

Lantern Displays

One of the most iconic aspects of the Lantern Festival is the vibrant lantern displays that light up cities and towns across China. These lanterns come in various shapes and sizes, from traditional Chinese zodiac animals to modern designs and themes. Some popular locations for lantern displays include:

  • Beijing: The Temple of Earth Park hosts a spectacular lantern show with over 1,000 lanterns on display.
  • Shanghai: The Shanghai International Tourism Resort offers a dazzling lantern festival with both traditional and contemporary designs.
  • Chengdu: The Chengdu Cultural Park features an impressive array of giant panda-themed lanterns.

Parades

Many cities also host colorful parades featuring dancers, musicians, and performers dressed in traditional costumes. These parades often include floats adorned with lanterns, adding to the festive atmosphere. Some notable parade locations include:

  • Guangzhou: The Guangzhou Lantern Festival Parade showcases elaborate floats and cultural performances throughout the city.
  • Hangzhou: The West Lake Scenic Area hosts a stunning lantern parade along its picturesque shores.

Enjoy Local Cuisine

Food plays a significant role in the Lantern Festival, with many regions having their own unique dishes and customs. One must-try treat is tangyuan or sweet glutinous rice balls, which symbolize family unity and completeness. Other regional specialties include:

  • Northern China: Jiaozi (dumplings) filled with meat or vegetables.
  • Southern China: Niangao (sticky cake made from glutinous rice flour).
  • Eastern China: Nian Gao (New Year cake made from glutinous rice flour).

Participate in Local Customs

Guessing Riddles

Another popular activity during the Lantern Festival is guessing riddles written on lanterns. This tradition dates back centuries and is believed to bring good luck. Many parks and public spaces set up lantern riddle corners where people can challenge themselves and others to solve these intriguing puzzles.

Dragon and Lion Dances

Dragon and lion dances are common sights during the Lantern Festival, especially in southern China. These energetic performances involve intricate choreography and require strength and coordination from the performers. They are believed to bring good fortune and drive away evil spirits. Some places to catch these captivating dances include:

  • Hong Kong: The Hong Kong Tourism Board organizes a massive dragon dance competition during the festival.
  • Macau: The Macau Government Tourist Office hosts a colorful dragon and lion dance parade through the streets of Macau.

Shop for Souvenirs

Many vendors set up temporary stalls selling all sorts of souvenirs related to the Lantern Festival, such as miniature lanterns, bookmarks, keychains, and more. These make great mementos of your experience and gifts for friends and family back home. Popular shopping spots include:

  • Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street (Shanghai): A bustling shopping area with numerous stalls selling festival goods.
  • Panjiayuan Antique Market (Beijing): Offers a wide range of traditional Chinese handicrafts and souvenirs.

In conclusion, the Lantern Festival in China is a time of joyous celebration marked by stunning lantern displays, delicious food, fascinating customs, and lively entertainment. Whether you're admiring the beauty of intricate lanterns, savoring local delicacies, participating in traditional activities, or simply soaking up the festive atmosphere, there's something for everyone to enjoy during this enchanting festival.