As 2025 kicks off, Shanghai's iconic Yuyuan Garden is dazzling visitors with its annual Lantern Festival, transforming the historic site into a glowing wonderland. This year's celebration honors the Year of the Snake, featuring serpent-shaped lanterns that twist and shimmer alongside mythical creatures from ancient Chinese lore.
Inspired by the 2,000-year-old Classic of Mountains and Seas—a text brimming with fantastical beasts and legends—the festival's lantern displays include surreal forests, towering mountainscapes, and creatures that seem to leap from storybooks. The theme, 'Everything is beautiful, every life is marvelous,' underscores the harmony between nature and human creativity.
Running until February 12, 2025, the festival is a must-see for travelers and culture buffs. Pro tip: Nighttime visits offer the full magic, with lights reflecting off traditional pavilions and ponds.
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Yuyuan Garden Lantern Festival welcomes Year of the Snake in Shanghai
cgtn.com