Experience the grandeur of Xi'an's lantern festival dragon

陈小将

A popular scenic spot in Xi'an of Shaanxi province has dramatically transformed in preparation for the upcoming Spring Festival.

In Yongningmen, the south gate of the Xi'an City Wall scenic area, a massive dragon display is nearly completed. It is 18 meters high and is based on the prototype of the Hongshan Jade Dragon, a C-shaped jade dragon unearthed from Chifeng, Inner Mongolia autonomous region, in 1971. The dragon is accompanied by Chinese knots, drums and auspicious clouds, giving it a harmonious and inspirational appearance.

According to the staff, the lantern festival display will open on Friday. The scenic area will showcase the grandeur of the lantern festival through online livestreaming.

In traditional Chinese culture, the dragon is a symbol of good fortune, authority, wisdom and harmony. People use it as a symbol of spiritual strength and as a guardian deity.