For the first time the Chinese Lantern Festival lights up Roer’s Zoofari in Vienna, VA celebrating a 2,000-year-old Chinese tradition with giant lanterns, martial arts shows and plenty of hands-on cultural activities. When I saw an email from living social advertising this event, Dave and I decided not to miss this opportunity. A beautiful 69°F evening in January made the experience even more enjoyable.
This year’s theme is “The Wild,” which features plenty of illuminated animal lanterns from various corners of the world.
The Chinese Lantern Festival is a nighttime display of 800 hand-crafted lanterns. These illuminated sculptures were created by 14 artisans from Zigong, China, who traveled to Northern Virginia and spent a month setting up this elaborate display. Here is the Zoofari Chinese Lantern Festival entrance.
I expected to see paper-wrapped, box-shaped lanterns hanging from trees. It was a nice surprise that each lantern was a hand-crafted sculpture built with a metal frame and covered with fabric, including lanterns in the form of animals from around the globe. Many of the lanterns were animated. The artistry was astonishing.
Kids have an opportunity to experience the Age of Dinosaurs by attempting a dinosaur ride.
We loved this beautiful walkway lined with dolphins.
From the side of the walkway we were able to see and pet some barnyard animals.
The incredible peacock display was waiting for us at the end of the walkway.
The glowing artworks amaze with their vivid colors.
Here are Chinese lanterns shaped like pandas.
The trees were beautifully decorated with the original lanterns.
There was a large display of colorful jellyfish floating on the pond, beautifully reflected in the water.
A whole section was dedicated to tigers.
The Folk Arts area was filled with Chinese artisans performing their crafts in a row of booths. The unique handcrafts, gifts and souvenirs were available for purchase.
There was a stage, where martial art performances are held. This style of fighting called “The Kung Fu Embassy” includes the animal imitative-style of boxing. Moreover, the audience was able to watch close up and get involved in a coaching section.
As we were strolling around the pond, we passed some sea creatures, insects, crocodiles, lions, zebras, polar bears, penguins, and other wild animals. A giant arctic whale lantern.
Hippos with their reflections in the pond.
Polar bears with the jellyfish float in the background.
Crocodiles.
Zebras.
Chinese Lantern Festival monkeys.
Ceramic Elephant fountain.
It was enjoyable walking through the gorgeous lantern artworks in this warm spring like evening.
Cheetahs.
Giraffes.
The festival has a couple Santa Claus displays, but otherwise it wasn’t specifically holiday-related.
The Chinese Lantern Festival was one of the most amazing holiday lights display in the area. It is different from the traditional American light show, which is amazing as well.
