Chinese artist lights up US city with lantern exhibit

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A unique lantern exhibition has lit up the US city of Philadelphia, with Chinese artist Cai Guoqiang sharing his childhood memories through light.

Marking the centennial of the city's Benjamin Franklin Parkway, 27 customized pedicabs strung with 1,000 lanterns have given Philly's city lights some stiff competition.

Unlike other exhibits, Cai's art isn't intended to just be viewed, but can be ridden. Many locals and tourists have taken the exhibit for a ride through the city.

"It's phenomenal to see it at night," said a rider Judy Rogers.

Chinese artist Cai Guoqiang /CGTN Photo

"They are the kinds of lanterns I played with in my childhood. It carries a feeling of childlike playfulness," said Cai.

Cai said as a kid, these lanterns were more than toys. They were extensions of his dreams.

Each of the 1,000 lanterns were handmade in Cai's hometown of Quanzhou City in China's Fujian Province. And the shapes range from the familiar to the funky.

The pedicabs were equipped with lanterns, allowing people to "ride" the exhibit through the city. /CGTN Photo

Cai made his mark at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, creating the dazzling fireworks display at the Opening and Closing Ceremonies. This time, Cai wanted people not to look up, but to see the exhibit throughout the city.

"People of different races meet here, talking while riding the tricycles to exchange feelings. This is the overall plan of this work, like fireflies," he said.