Mythical creatures and animals illuminated a lantern festival in Zigong, a city in southwest China, to celebrate the upcoming Lunar New Year of the Horse, starting on February 17. Over 1,200 workers spent weeks crafting 200 handmade lanterns, including a 210-meter-long mythological figure named “Kunpeng” and a 180-meter-long Chinese heroine known as “Mulan.”
The annual Zigong International Lantern Festival will continue until the Yuanxiao Festival on March 3, which signifies the end of the Lunar New Year celebrations. Take a look at the spectacular scenes captured on the opening night.
Images taken by Maxim Shemetov/Reuters showcase people enjoying the illuminated lanterns, with a woman taking a selfie next to one of the light installations and a couple strolling through a tunnel within a light display.
Lanterns play a significant role in Chinese Lunar New Year traditions, symbolizing prosperity and guidance. The festival features various lantern installations depicting animals and architectural structures, creating a mesmerizing sight at night.
