Zigong is the originator of the Chinese Lantern Festival- which has been copied in Beijing, Hong Kong, and Shanghai. As one of China’s Historical and Cultural Cities in south central Sichuan province, about 190km away from Chengdu city. Zigong is called “Hometown of Dinosaurs”,”Lantern Town of the South Kingdom”.
Enjoying the unique location, Zigong is famous for the significant discovery of various dinosaurs. You can visit the one of the three precious museums of dinosaurs in the world to see the fossils and collections of these rare vanished species.
Zigong Lantern Festival originated in the tang dynasty (AD 618–907) , flourishing in qing dynasty. It is one of the largest folk cultural activities in China and generally lasts around a month every year during China’s Spring Festival. Decorated in plentiful colors and exquisite styles in large scales, the lantern show is given the reputation of “The Best Lantern under Heaven” with the special feature of “shape, color, sound, light and motion”, attracting numerous visitors from China and around the world.
Similar lantern shows are held in many other countries such as Dubai, UK, the United States, South Korea, Japan, the Netherlands and etc.
Unlike occidental light shows which feature tungsten bulbs, florescent tubes, leds and even laser beams, oriental light shows still stick to their traditional concepts of using paper and fabric to shape up the various objects of fame and fortune. The only change is from traditional lighting source of wax candles to electrical bulbs, tubes and leds inside these lanterns.
During the festival thousands of China’s colorful traditional lanterns made of bamboo, silk, paper, glass bottles, and porcelain tableware are displayed. Most of the funny and beautiful lantern shapes are based on myths, legends, folk customs, historical stories, movies and TV stories.
Besides all the beautiful lanterns, visitors can still participate in all kinds of interactive programs.
The (23rd) zigong international dinosaur Lantern Festival
The (23rd) zigong international dinosaur Lantern Festival last from January 22 to March 12 2017 in lantern park.This year’s Zigong Lantern Festival, withe the theme of “colorful new silk road, the most cool China wind”,display more than 130 groups of large and medium-sized lanterns.