Lanterns Light up Southern Chinese City Ahead of Lunar New Year 

People walk past a light installation ahead of the Lunar New Year of the Snake, at a new year lantern fair in Fuzhou, in eastern China's Fujian province on January 21, 2025. (AFP)
People walk past a light installation ahead of the Lunar New Year of the Snake, at a new year lantern fair in Fuzhou, in eastern China's Fujian province on January 21, 2025. (AFP)
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Lanterns Light up Southern Chinese City Ahead of Lunar New Year 

People walk past a light installation ahead of the Lunar New Year of the Snake, at a new year lantern fair in Fuzhou, in eastern China's Fujian province on January 21, 2025. (AFP)
People walk past a light installation ahead of the Lunar New Year of the Snake, at a new year lantern fair in Fuzhou, in eastern China's Fujian province on January 21, 2025. (AFP)

Dozens of giant lanterns in the shape of mythical creatures, flowers and legendary characters light up the night sky in southern China -- a dreamlike spectacle to mark the upcoming Lunar New Year holidays.

As night falls in the southern Chinese city of Fuzhou, lanterns -- some of them 10 meters high -- transform Hongguang Lake Park into a fantastical land of orange dragons, majestic sailboats, fish with sparkling turquoise scales and figures with angelic faces.

"Aren't these lanterns cool?" Lei Haoxin, a 17-year-old tourist wrapped up in a parka due to the cool weather, said.

"Super beautiful, right? We found the place thanks to Douyin," he explained, referring to China's version of TikTok.

"Usually, when we spot something interesting via the app, we try to go there," he explained.

Fuzhou is the capital of Fujian province, known throughout China for keeping many traditional New Year events alive.

Many lanterns are drawn from traditional folklore -- one features the likeness of Mazu, a sea deity popular across southern China, Taiwan and among the diaspora across Southeast Asia.

"This lantern is exquisitely made and looks even better than in the pictures," tourist Luo Meiling told AFP.

Also making an appearance is the mythical Monkey King, Sun Wukong, from the Chinese literary classic "Journey to the West".

Lanterns date back to a thousand-year-old tradition in China and are a common sight in the country, especially around the Lunar New Year, when millions flock to public spaces to take in their bright lights and vivid colors.

And with Chinese people around the world set to herald in the Year of the Snake on January 29, artistic lantern displays in all shapes and sizes have sprung up in towns and cities across the vast nation.

"We feel more of the New Year atmosphere in recent years," Qi, a 42-year-old resident of Fuzhou, who visited the park with her young son, told AFP.

"Mentalities are changing and people are making their children do more outdoor activities now," she explained.

"Many families come here to enjoy the fireworks and the entertainment."



Prince Mohammad bin Salman Award Celebrates Cultural Ties, Fosters Cultural Exchange between Saudi Arabia, China

During the event, the objectives, branches, diverse prizes, and knowledge initiatives of the award were highlighted to enhance cultural communication between the two countries - SPA
During the event, the objectives, branches, diverse prizes, and knowledge initiatives of the award were highlighted to enhance cultural communication between the two countries - SPA
TT

Prince Mohammad bin Salman Award Celebrates Cultural Ties, Fosters Cultural Exchange between Saudi Arabia, China

During the event, the objectives, branches, diverse prizes, and knowledge initiatives of the award were highlighted to enhance cultural communication between the two countries - SPA
During the event, the objectives, branches, diverse prizes, and knowledge initiatives of the award were highlighted to enhance cultural communication between the two countries - SPA

A cultural and social event introducing Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman Award for Cultural Cooperation between Saudi Arabia and China took place on Wednesday, with the support of the Minister of Culture and Chairman of the Award's Board of Trustees Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan. The Board of Trustees deputy chairman, Faisal bin Abdulrahman bin Muaammar, was also present.
During the event, the objectives, branches, diverse prizes, and knowledge initiatives of the award were highlighted to enhance cultural communication between the two countries. Discussions focused on the historical and cultural ties between Saudi Arabia and China and the potential for cultural cooperation between them, SPA reported.
In his address at the event, bin Muaammar highlighted the significance of the award, which was named after HRH the Crown Prince and managed by the Ministry of Culture. He emphasized the strong relationship between Saudi Arabia and China, portraying it as a model of cultural interaction that brings them closer and enriches their cultural exchange across various areas.
He underscored that Saudi Vision 2030 prioritizes cultural openness, aligning with China's 'Belt and Road Initiative' that aims to enhance international integration. This new cultural cooperation embodies a model for mutually beneficial relationships, promising a bright future of development and prosperity for both countries.