Celebrations under the city lights and lanterns…
Even though externally the Lantern Festival appears to be mere colour and glamour, the event is also symbolic of deeper meanings such as family reunion, a historic link with Buddhism and the marking of a special day in the astrological calendar of China. It is also considered as the ancient Valentine's Day in China.
The Lantern Festival takes place on the 15th day of the first lunar month in the Chinese calendar and its origin dates as far back as the Han Dynasty (AD 25-220). It is a time for festivities indoors too, as the separated family members get together sharing the delicacies of the reunion dinner while outside the city streets are brimming with activities and for the curious foreigner, some intriguing artwork of Chinese culture will be on display.
The activities on the streets and city squares are numerous and another great way to enjoy them would be to visit a temple fair. The dragon dance is an indispensible item to the event especially since the dragon is considered a holy animal and the item is enacted by several people in vibrant colours. A remarkably similar item is the lion dance which is a traditional dance performed by two people in costumes resembling the lion with its movements. Then there are the more adventurous forms of art such as the kung fu that China is famous for as well as acrobatics where the lithe Chinese acrobats perform astonishing stances and movements in striking costumes from dizzy heights. Spitting fire, the face changing show, as well as the famous Chinese opera are some of the items that are sure to intrigue the foreign traveller. That is in addition to the curiously complex arts of calligraphy where one can get one's name done in this renowned Chinese form of art, while beautiful hand-woven embroidery is another exquisite item to possess.
It's always a necessity during such a festival to find a great hotel in Beijing to relax and rejuvenate in after you roam the city on the day of the light festival. That's where the Raffles Beijing Hotel, China comes in taking you to the heights of comfort with congenial hospitality that makes you feel right at home. For those who are looking for luxury accommodation Beijing. It is just the place to direct your weary steps to and be pampered to your heart's content.
The Lantern Festival takes place on the 15th day of the first lunar month in the Chinese calendar and its origin dates as far back as the Han Dynasty (AD 25-220). It is a time for festivities indoors too, as the separated family members get together sharing the delicacies of the reunion dinner while outside the city streets are brimming with activities and for the curious foreigner, some intriguing artwork of Chinese culture will be on display.
The activities on the streets and city squares are numerous and another great way to enjoy them would be to visit a temple fair. The dragon dance is an indispensible item to the event especially since the dragon is considered a holy animal and the item is enacted by several people in vibrant colours. A remarkably similar item is the lion dance which is a traditional dance performed by two people in costumes resembling the lion with its movements. Then there are the more adventurous forms of art such as the kung fu that China is famous for as well as acrobatics where the lithe Chinese acrobats perform astonishing stances and movements in striking costumes from dizzy heights. Spitting fire, the face changing show, as well as the famous Chinese opera are some of the items that are sure to intrigue the foreign traveller. That is in addition to the curiously complex arts of calligraphy where one can get one's name done in this renowned Chinese form of art, while beautiful hand-woven embroidery is another exquisite item to possess.
It's always a necessity during such a festival to find a great hotel in Beijing to relax and rejuvenate in after you roam the city on the day of the light festival. That's where the Raffles Beijing Hotel, China comes in taking you to the heights of comfort with congenial hospitality that makes you feel right at home. For those who are looking for luxury accommodation Beijing. It is just the place to direct your weary steps to and be pampered to your heart's content.
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