The 2018 International Lantern Art Festival at Dongguan’s Hidden Sage Valley is about to open.
The 2018 International Lantern Art Festival, hosted by Dongguan’s Hidden Sage Valley, will officially open on August 15. Over 20 million lanterns from Zigong, Sichuan, will be unveiled simultaneously. Known as the “No. 1 Lantern in the World,” Zigong’s lantern festival is renowned for its seamless integration of form, sound, color, light, and motion, creating a spectacular world of lantern mountains, crystal palaces, and forests of fire. Zigong’s lantern displays showcase the essence of China’s lantern culture and enjoy widespread fame. This year’s exhibition continues the grand scale, majestic presence, ingenious design, exquisite craftsmanship, harmonious integration of lanterns and scenery, and layered mystique that characterize the Zigong lantern festival, presenting a uniquely spectacular light show that lets the “No. 1 Lantern in the World” shine in the scenic beauty of Hidden Sage Valley.
This lantern exhibition has been custom-designed to reflect the varied elevations, cultural themes, and visual artistry within Hidden Sage Valley. By combining abstract, stylish, and unique lantern art forms with the fusion of traditional lantern techniques and modern technology, the display vividly showcases the valley’s picturesque landscapes, poetic charm, and spiritual beauty. Spatially, the lantern layout is divided into four major sections: land-based lanterns, aerial lanterns, and water-based lanterns. The lantern designs adhere to principles of visual artistry, harmony, local character, unity between people and lanterns, and technological innovation, crafting a radiant world of lights.
At the entrance of the scenic area, visitors are greeted by the “Welcome to the Valley” zone. This area uses a multitude of simple, colorful ambient lights to create a cool summer atmosphere. As you walk in, the pathway is adorned with beautiful flowers and blooming fireworks symbolizing the success of the lantern festival. Characters like Peppa Pig and auspicious frogs bring a playful charm, while bright red lanterns enhance the festive ambiance. Amidst the joy and blessings, step into an ocean of lights.
Notably, this passage of lanterns is called “Happiness ‘Caged’ In.” The eight lanterns on either side, each standing 4 meters tall, incorporate traditional Chinese lantern elements. In Chinese culture, red lanterns symbolize family reunion, prosperity, and vitality—representing happiness, light, energy, fulfillment, and wealth. Walking through this fiery lantern corridor also brings blessings and joy.
Upon entering the scenic area, the “Charm of the Valley” lantern set, inspired by the region’s cultural features, primarily uses floral elements against the backdrop of the valley’s scenery to create a vibrant, flowery spectacle, highlighting the profound and unique culture of Hidden Sage Valley.
The “Buddha’s Hand Holding a Flower” lantern is designed based on the statue of the Goddess of Mercy, Guanyin. The Buddha’s hand sounds like “blessing and longevity” in Chinese, symbolizing happiness and long life. This distinctive lantern set embodies the Buddhist concept of “one flower, one world; one leaf, one enlightenment,” carrying deep meaning.
Additionally, the “Li Juesi” lantern, themed around a hermit of the valley, uses the art of lantern-making to bring the hermit Li Juesi back to life in the valley, showcasing the valley’s talented and spiritually rich heritage, as well as explaining the origin of its name. Li Juesi, known for his lifelong dedication to the nation and integrity, was honored as a wise and virtuous official. In his later years, he returned to his hometown and lived in seclusion for decades. The valley where he resided thus came to be known as “Hidden Sage Valley”—the very same we know today.
On Hidden Sage Lake, there is a massive water-based lantern set, 25 meters long and 7 meters high, named “Charming Valley.” Designed with abstract, fashionable blooming flowers, the lantern features a unique and novel shape with beautiful, vibrant colors, highlighting the distinct charm of Hidden Sage Valley.
Among the popular light installations is the “Charm of the Valley” set. Hidden Sage Valley has long been associated with gathering talent. This lantern set reflects that meaning and echoes the ancient saying, “Isn’t it delightful to have friends coming from afar?” welcoming visitors from all over. The teapot handle is designed with elements of ancient tree branches, with tea flowing gracefully, evoking the classic elegance of Hidden Sage Valley.
The large lantern set “Hidden Sage Valley,” stretching 29 meters in length and 7 meters in height, is designed around the theme “Hidden Sage Valley, Eternal Beauty.” It portrays a grand and magnificent scroll, comprehensively showcasing the valley’s scenery in a stunning display.
To cater to different audiences, Hidden Sage Valley has uniquely created the “Animal World” zone. This area combines the valley’s extensive recreational facilities—such as cliff climbing, European bungee jumping, zip lines, and a zoo—with geographical elements and folk culture. Using modern design techniques, it creates the immersive experience of walking through a tropical rainforest, exploring the prehistoric Jurassic era, strolling along coconut beaches, and visiting ecological and zoological gardens. Highly distinctive, this zone offers a unique lantern-viewing experience.
Rooted in traditional folk culture, the “24 Solar Terms” lantern set incorporates unique cultural elements and traditional agricultural almanacs, blending them with modern lantern techniques. It presents the accumulated wisdom and experience of the Han people in a new artistic form.
Particularly noteworthy is the “Brilliant Light and Shadow” lantern set, which utilizes a large amount of new materials and light sources, representing the latest achievements in lantern technology and creativity in recent years. Materials such as LED lights and starry-sky effects lend a dreamy, futuristic feel, combined with traditional fabrics. In terms of lighting, techniques from domestic and international light festivals have been adopted, offering diverse light expressions such as ambient and spotlighting. The result is a romantic depiction of lake and mountain scenery, bringing a dreamlike conclusion to your visit.
The park also features many lifelike animals that align with the zone’s theme. For example, “Sacred Deer Connection,” symbolizing luck and fortune, and the large passageway lantern set “Underwater World,” measuring 25 meters in length, 8 meters in width, and 5 meters in height. Bursting with colorful, dreamlike hues, this set includes beautiful jellyfish, seaweed, and fish, giving visitors the sensation of swimming through the ocean.
As for couples, the story of the Cowherd and the Weaver Girl is well-known. According to Chinese folklore, on the evening of the seventh day of the seventh lunar month, magpies sacrifice their feathers and bodies to form a bridge across the river, allowing the Cowherd and Weaver Girl to meet. The frequent rain on Qixi Festival is said to be their tears. The “Magpie Bridge Meeting” lantern set recreates this magical scene in a dreamlike style, symbolizing the reunion of lovers or spouses after a long separation, and wishing all lovers a happy ending.
The 2018 Hidden Sage Valley National Lantern Art Festival, with its rich design elements, diverse styles, clear themes, and creative ingenuity, presents an unparalleled impression of Hidden Sage Valley, showcasing its unique charm. It allows visitors to admire the lanterns, experience the changes of time, feel the glory of prosperity, and support the flourishing development of regional culture. The lantern festival will run until December 10.