Chicago Exhibit: 'Dragon Lights' lantern festival draws crowds

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The Chicago skyline is amongst the most recognizable in the United States. But over the next few weeks, an international exhibit will add a further glow to the city. The "Dragon Lights" is a jaw-dropping Chinese lantern festival that has taken months to build. CGTN's Dan Williams reports.

Lighting up the Chicago skyline. Some 40 hand crafted light sculptures illuminate the city's Soldier Field. The 'Dragon Lights' Chinese lantern festival is a spectacular visual exhibition. Among the highlights, over two 200-foot long dragons that tower into the sky.

TIM BERRY OPERATIONS MANAGER, "DRAGON LIGHTS" "We had fifty artisans fly from China to build all the lanterns here for Dragon Lights, right here on the lot in soldier field. So all these lanterns take over a month to build. And we have everything from gluers to electricians. Just every piece of this is handmade."

This display uses hundreds of colored medicine bottles. While others offer a dramatic backdrop for a 'selfie' or two. There's also an arts and crafts area and a stage that has regular live performances from acrobats and other artists. Despite a freezing cold Chicago evening, those in attendance appeared to enjoy the festivities.

"It is amazing. We love to see the cultures. Our first time here. First time bringing the kids here. The lights are amazing. We saw it from the expressway, so we had to come and take the kids."

DAN WILLIAMS CHICAGO "Some 75,000 people are expected to attend this exhibition before it moves on to other cities across the country. And organizers hope it will bring a greater understanding to Chinese culture."

That certainly appeared to be the case for a visiting school.

"My students are taking Mandarin Chinese in my school and I teach them not only the language but also the culture aspect so this is something new to them and they are very excited to come and see this."

With better weather to come, organizers hope many more people will get the chance to fall in 'love' with these stunning lanterns. Dan Williams, CGTN Chicago