Chinese lanterns light up Peru

Part of 2018 Happy Chinese New Year, a cultural festival featuring lanterns from Sichuan province was held in Lima, Peru, from Dec 22 to Feb 12. [Photo/Chinaculture.org]

Part of 2018 Happy Chinese New Year, a cultural festival featuring lanterns from Sichuan province was held in Lima, Peru, from Dec 22 to Feb 12.

Li Yun, charge d'affaires of Chinese Embassy in Peru, Zhu Xiaoyan, cultural counselor of the Chinese Embassy in Peru, and other Peruvian officials attended the opening ceremony of the festival, along with about 500 locals.

One major lantern featuring pandas and alpacas, two icon animals in China and Peru, was named Friendship. Another lantern, Chinese Porcelain Dragon, was made by 18,000 pieces of blue and white porcelain wares.

Part of 2018 Happy Chinese New Year, a cultural festival featuring lanterns from Sichuan province was held in Lima, Peru, from Dec 22 to Feb 12. [Photo/Chinaculture.org]

Sichuan lanterns, with a history of more than 1,800 years, have been displayed in dozens of countries. The festival brought the lanterns to Latin America for the first time.

As an important strategic partner of China, Peru also was one of the Latin American countries involved in China's Belt and Road Initiative.

"In recent years, the relations and cooperation between China and Peru was enhanced in many fields. Cultural exchanges are a highlight. They narrow the distance of the two nations and let Peruvian people feel the charm of traditional Chinese culture," Zhu said.

The event was supported by the Chinese Embassy in Peru and Sichuan provincial government.

Part of 2018 Happy Chinese New Year, a cultural festival featuring lanterns from Sichuan province was held in Lima, Peru, from Dec 22 to Feb 12. [Photo/Chinaculture.org]