In recent days, visitors in Beijing have been immersed in a colorful fantasy at the Yuanmingyuan Park, where a lantern festival has been set up, attracting both domestic and international crowds. The festival features intricate lantern displays that exemplify the power of light, a custom that has decorated streets and homes in China for centuries as a way to welcome the Chinese New Year. This year, festivities are particularly significant as it marks the Year of the Fire Horse.

The park portrays various Chinese legends and mythical beings through the artistry of the lanterns, which represent a long-standing heritage of craftsmanship originating from the Zigong region in Sichuan Province, known as the birthplace of lantern art. This tradition is deeply ingrained in Chinese culture, with lanterns symbolizing light, good fortune, and success for the year ahead.

The Chinese New Year begins this upcoming Tuesday, marking the start of a bustling holiday season in China that is traditionally filled with travel and festivities. As people prepare for the celebrations, the lantern festival serves as a vivid reminder of the cultural significance and the artistic expressions that accompany this important time of year, fostering a sense of unity and joy among communities.