Launch red lanterns for good luck! 5 exciting light events in Asia during the Chinese New Year.
Authors / photo source: Pham Trung Kien/Pixabay and Gianandrea Villa/Unsplash.
Summary:
- Watch the Yuanxiao Lantern Festival in China.
- Enjoy the illuminated Garden of Morning Calm in Seoul.
- Attend the Lantern Festival in Pingxi, Taiwan.
- Take part in the Lantern Festival in Hoi An, Vietnam.
- Stroll along colourful Lee Tung Avenue in Hong Kong.
If you were looking for a little magic, then perhaps there is no more fantastic sight than the sky sparkling with thousands of burning lanterns. In addition, during the Chinese New Year, Asia glows with bright lights not only in the sky, but also on the ground, and even on the water: streets and gardens are decorated with traditional red lanterns, and they are also released to float down the river. We invite you to plunge into the magical world of light shows and lantern festivals in Asia during the Chinese New Year.
Watch the Yuanxiao Lantern Festival in China.
Authors / photo source: NoName_13/Pixabay.
In Guangdong Province, China, Yuanxiao, or Lantern Festival, is celebrated every year. The festival is held annually on the last day of Chinese New Year. It is also known as the Spring Lantern Festival and it is believed that the real spring begins on this day. In 2024, Yuanxiao will take place on February 24th.
During the festival, millions of bright lanterns rise into the sky, creating a breathtaking spectacle which is must see. On this day in China it is customary for families to celebrate together. There is a belief that on New Year's Day the souls of deceased ancestors descend to earth to celebrate the holiday with loved ones. On the Lantern Festival, the souls of the dead return back to the afterlife, and so that they do not get lost and become lost among the living, millions of red lanterns illuminate their path. This event is also associated with the Chinese tradition where people write their wishes and dreams on lanterns and then release them into the sky, hoping that they will come true.
On the night of the Chinese Lantern Festival, the streets are decorated with colourful lanterns, often with riddles written on them. People eat sweet rice balls called tangyuan, watch dragon and lion dances, and set off fireworks.
Enjoy the illuminated Garden of Morning Calm in Seoul.
Authors / photo source: morningcalm.
In the heart of bustling Seoul lies the Garden of Morning Calm. In winter, it transforms especially brightly: a light show is held in an area of more than 100,000 square metres. Traditional Chinese lanterns and thousands of colourful light bulbs transform this green corner into a fairy-tale winter garden with numerous colourful figures. Chinese New Year celebrations at the Garden also include dragon dancing and other New Year performances. The light show will last until March 17.
Attend the Lantern Festival in Pingxi, Taiwan.
Authors / photo source: Jenny Le/Unsplash.
On the island of Taiwan, as part of the Chinese New Year celebration, an amazing event will be held — it is the Pingxi Sky Lantern Festival. This colourful show of light attracts thousands of tourists every year. In 2024, the festival is scheduled for February 24. The main event takes place in the village of Pingxi, where participants release huge aerial lanterns into the sky, symbolising getting rid of troubles and attracting good luck. It is also customary to write wishes on lanterns and, by launching them, hope for the fulfilment of a dream. At this time, thousands of lanterns, rising into the night sky, create incredible landscapes, which is also a must see event for travellers.
Take part in the Lantern Festival in Hoi An, Vietnam.
Authors / photo source: Ben Shan/Unsplash.
The Hoi An Lantern Festival is a monthly event. It is held on the 14th day of each lunar month, when the Moon is fullest and brightest. Even today in Asia, the full moon is seen as a time for meditation, observing rituals, reflecting on life and worshipping one's ancestors. This is done in many ways, from offerings at family shrines to burning incense and candles. In recent years in Vietnam, these traditions have evolved into the popular Hoi An Lantern Festival. For the festival, candles are placed at the bottom of colourful paper lanterns. They are placed on the Hoai River as offerings to the gods and ancestors. Folk performances with music (bamboo flutes, drums and violins) and poetry recitations take place on the banks of the river. The festivities begin at twilight and end around 8-9 pm.
Stroll along colourful Lee Tung Avenue in Hong Kong.
Authors / photo source: Tetsushi Kimura/Flickr.
In Hong Kong, Lee Tung Avenue, also known as the "Love and Romance Street", transforms into a spectacular light show during Chinese New Year. This is one of the most crowded places in the city, which is definitely a must see on holiday. The Avenue is decorated with thousands of red lanterns and they all rise above the heads of passers-by; there are many light bulbs and garlands, red envelopes and other attributes hung here. At this place you can enjoy an incredible holiday atmosphere, walking among the illuminations and participating in various entertainment.
A holiday transfer will help you get to any of the light events! A car with a driver can be booked only for you and your company. So at the specified time, a holiday transfer will only be at your disposal. You will be met by a driver with a nameplate at the airport, escorted to the car, you will board only with your group and only with your luggage, and you will calmly go to the right place. This is the best way to get to the event if you are travelling with children, want to be in time for the start of the celebration and just get there in comfort. Travel with a holiday transfer from Intui and forget about transport hassles!
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Petrichenko Rimma & Intui travel
