Featured image: One of the 39 handmade silk lanterns at the China Lights festival in North Las Vegas (photo credit: China Lights)
Lighted lanterns have been a tradition in China for thousands of years, and Zigong, Sichuan, is known as the cultural capital of this craft. The artisans there created giant illuminated silk lanterns for China Lights, a traveling exhibition now at Craig Ranch Regional Park in North Las Vegas until Sunday, February 25.
Walk through a display of 39 giant lanterns of dragons, pandas, fish, and flowers. Savor delicious Asian food. Enjoy live entertainment by Chinese acrobats and drummers, face changers, and plate spinners. Show times are 6:30 and 8 p.m. Tuesday-Thursday, and 6:30, 8, and 9 p.m. Friday-Saturday.
The festival coincides with Chinese New Year on Friday, February 16. That night, there will be additional displays, Chinese New Year parades, and fireworks.
China Lights is open 5-10 p.m. Tuesday-Sunday. Admission costs $20 for adults ages 18-59, and $12 children ages 5-17 and seniors 60 and older. A $10 surcharge will be added for the Chinese New Year celebration on February 16. Buy tickets online or at the park.
Craig Ranch Regional Park is located at 626 W Craig Road, eight miles north of downtown Las Vegas. For more information about the display, visit the China Lights website or call (888) 484-2698.
Umbrella lanterns (photo credit: China Lights)
