Annual lantern show sheds new light on ancient culture

German teacher Susan Hess and her husband have gone to the event in Yuyuan Garden every year since they moved to the city four years ago.

"I love the Center Plaza because this is the place where I always go first. I think the dragons together are really great, and I like them. I also love the fish, and all the lanterns are very dynamic. I think this is my feeling about Shanghai at the moment — it is very lively and dynamic," says Hess.

"I love to see people are excited about Spring Festival. And I think it is a very nice atmosphere in China when family members come together for reunions, admire all these lanterns and have nice food. I think this is a very nice tradition."

The shows in Shanghai and Paris are also accessible via a QR code, enabling visitors from either side to see the other show.

"The connection between the lantern shows in both cities also represents the integration of Chinese and French cultures," says Hu Junjie, vice-president of Yuyuan Inc.

"We hope people in both cities can get closer to Eastern aesthetics and enjoy Lunar New Year together."

Tips:

Admission to the lantern show is free, except for the following periods: 10 am-10 pm from Feb 10-16 and Feb 22-25, and 2 pm-10 pm from Feb 17-21. Tickets can be purchased online or at booths around Yuyuan Garden. Prices range from 50($6.90) to 80 yuan.