Yuyuan Garden lantern festival casts the radiance of classical poetry

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Colorful lanterns adorn the Yuyuan Garden in Shanghai as part of an annual lantern show on January 21, 2024. /CFP

The annual lantern show at the iconic Yuyuan Garden, a captivating cultural highlight and one of the most anticipated Spring Festival celebrations in Shanghai, has once again commenced, casting its luminance upon this international metropolis since Sunday.

Colorful lanterns adorn the Yuyuan Garden in Shanghai as part of an annual lantern show on January 21, 2024. /CFP

Embracing the imminent Year of the Loong (Dragon), this year's event continues to draw inspiration from the ancient Chinese classic "Shan Hai Jing," or "Classic of Mountains and Seas," with a particular focus on the "Sea Chapter." The display features a dazzling array of lanterns that bring to life a mesmerizing world where marine flora and fauna, alongside mythical creatures – especially loong – take center stage.

Colorful lanterns adorn the Yuyuan Garden in Shanghai as part of an annual lantern show on January 21, 2024. /CFP

Adding to the enchantment, a significant highlight of the ongoing event is a lantern installation titled "While Fish and Loong Lanterns Dance All Night." Inspired by the classic Song poetry "The Lantern Festival Night – to the tune of Green Jade Table," penned by the legendary poet Xin Qiji from the Southern Song Dynasty (1127-1279), this captivating art installation bathes the prosperous modern-day winter night in the radiance of classical Chinese poetry from hundreds of years ago.