Many lantern fairs are held in Beijing during the Lantern Festival, offering us the chance to share in the celebration of this traditional Chinese holiday. Here are five of the best places to see spectacular and colorful lanterns and light shows.
Solana Light Festival
Solana Light Festival has been held every year for the last ten years. Each festival is elaborately crafted with attention to detail and creativity, producing a sense of identity in an urban art space. If you want to see the emerging art of the west and the east, it’s worth checking out.
14th Dec 2018 – 25th Feb 2019, free. No.6, Chaoyang Park Road, Chaoyang District (010-5905 6663/6668)
北京市朝阳区朝阳公园路6号
More info here.
Sanlitun Disney Light Show
Disney have unveiled a lantern show to celebrate Chinese New Year in Taikoo Li, Sanlitun, and the display will continue until the Lantern Festival. Many lovable lanterns, featuring classic animated films like Toy Story and Frozen, invite you and your kids to light up the New Year with a wish.
22nd Jan – 19th Feb, free. Taikoo Li, Sanlitun, Chaoyang District (010-64177110)
北京市朝阳区三里屯太古里
More info here.
Happy Valley Lantern Festival
Thousands of lanterns light up the whole garden. You have the chance to see a combination of traditional culture and contemporary trends, fabulous Peking Opera figures, a giant “old Beijing” hotpot, and a historical imperial palace there.
2th Jan – 15th March, RMB 165 above (Preferential price: 99 yuan/person before 14:00 from 15th February to 19th February). Happy Valley, Xiaowuji Beilu, Chaoyang District (010-6738 9898)
北京市朝阳区东四环小武基北路
More info here.
Haidian Shangzhuang Light Festival
The Shangzhuang Light Festival will feature light shows with an array of themes that range from farming, love, traditional culture, fairy tales, and the ocean, to a sea of flowers. You will encounter whimsical displays and familiar characters, all gathered in a big field in Haidian district.
28th Jan – 19th Feb 18:00 – 22:00, RMB 35 above. Sanyuan Agricultural Science and Technology Park, No. 119, Shangzhuang road, Haidian District (010-62471966)
海淀区上庄路119号北京三元农业科技园
More info here.
Nangong Lantern Show
There are hundreds of lanterns with colorful lights, elaborately created by local folk artists, at Nangong Lantern Show in Fengtai District. You can enjoy traditional performances combined with outstanding works of art, while having a taste of “old Beijing” street food. Let the New Year vibe spread to the end of the holiday there!
6th Feb – 20th Feb 14:00-21:00, RMB 105 above. World Geothermal Expo park, no. 1, Yingbin Road, Wangzuo South Palace, Fengtai District (010-83318032/83318649)
北京市丰台区王佐南宫迎宾路1号世界地热博览园内
More info here.
Enjoy the lanterns!
Photo: Weibo.com, Taikoolisanlitun.com, Sohu.com, happyvalley.cn
