Chinese artist lights up Philadelphia street

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Public artwork "Fireflies" by internationally-renowned Chinese artist Cai Guoqiang has lit up the evenings on Benjamin Franklin Parkway in Philadelphia.

The installation, which runs from September 15 to October 8, sees lights switched on from 6 to 10 p.m. and visitors can have free rides on rickshaw-style pedicabs decked out with handmade Chinese lanterns.

Photo from WeChat Public Account of Cai Guoqiang Studio

After three years of design and negotiations, it is the largest public art installation Cai has mounted in the US in the past decade and it coincides with the 100th anniversary of the Parkway.

Photo from WeChat Public Account of Cai Guoqiang Studio

Cai Guo-Qiang is well-known for using explosive materials and fireworks to create art, such as designing the fireworks for the Opening Ceremony for the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

Born in Quanzhou in southeast China's Fujian Province, Cai said "Fireflies" stands for "fireworks that do not die out", and the use of traditional lanterns is a throwback to his childhood memories.

Photo from WeChat Public Account of Cai Guoqiang Studio‍

Hand-made in the artist’s hometown, the colorful lanterns represent diverse ethnic groups who come to the US like fireflies from all over the world and take root and shine.

Named after one of the United States’ leading founders, Benjamin Franklin, the mile-long scenic boulevard runs through the cultural heart of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and is often compared to Paris' Champs Elysées.