Lantern show makes overseas debut

The renowned Yuyuan Garden Lantern Show made its debut in Paris on Friday, kick-starting the 2024 China-France Year of Culture and Tourism.

Yuyuan is a well-known traditional Chinese-style garden in China's economic powerhouse Shanghai.

At the opening ceremony in Paris on Wednesday, Lu Shaye, Chinese ambassador to France, said the displays showcase the exquisite elements of traditional Chinese culture, which is an overture to high-quality cultural exchange activities between China and France in the coming year.

The show was officially opened to the public on Friday night. Around 60 lantern sets and more than 2,000 lanterns shipped from China illuminated the Jardin d'Acclimatation in the French capital.

Next year, the two countries will also celebrate the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations. Both countries will take these celebrations as a chance to inject greater vitality into cultural exchanges and yield more substantial results, Lu said.

With China introducing a visa-free policy for six countries, including France, and a cut in visa fees for many others, Lu extended an open invitation to all, encouraging people to visit China to explore its wonders and deepen their understanding of the country.

Representatives from government institutions and enterprises from both China and France, including former French foreign minister Hubert Vedrine, attended the event on Wednesday.

Next year also marks the Year of the Dragon, so dragon elements are featured prominently in the show, which will last until Feb 25, spanning across major Eastern and Western holidays such as Christmas, New Year's Day, Spring Festival and Lantern Festival.

Based on the iconic book Shanhaijing, or The Classic of Mountains and Seas, visitors can see many interesting legendary creatures portrayed in the book at the lantern show.

Meanwhile, over 350 cultural events and performances will be held, including folk music, operas, acrobatics, martial arts, and other Chinese cultural performances.

yangran1@chinadaily.com.cn