Confucius Institute for Scotland – Edinburgh Zoo’s Giant Lanterns of China Festival

boy with tiger lantern

This winter Edinburgh Zoo is alive with the glow of bright, multi-coloured lanterns in the shape of Chinese and Scottish mythical and real creatures.  The Confucius Institute for Scotland is partnering with the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS) for this season’s Giant Lanterns of China festival.   It runs on select evenings from November 16 to February 17.  The lanterns are carefully designed and installed by craftsmen from Sichuan province in China. When the Confucius Institute for Scotland supported last year’s lantern festival at the Zoo tens of thousands of visitors were captivated by the display.  This year promises more surprises and delights.   You can scan the QR code on the sign board next to each lantern to get the Chinese version.

Every Tuesday and Thursday throughout the Zoo’s lantern festival period we will post stories related to the Chinese myths and legends as well as other snippets of fun information about Chinese culture.  Check out the gorgeous pictures and memorable stories.

Monkey King 孙悟空

Leaping Carp over the Dragon Gate 鲤鱼跳龙门

Nine-tailed Fox 九尾狐

Four God Beasts 四大神兽

Lady of Flowers 天女散花

Nine Coloured Deer 九色鹿

Chinese Zodiac 十二生肖

Chinese Calendar 中国历法

The 24 Solar Terms 二十四 节气

How is Christmas Celebrated in China?

The Chinese Five Elements 中国五行

Happy New Year – January 1st

1,2,3 – The Legend of Pangu

Preparation of the Chinese New Year

Welcoming Good Fortune at Chinese New Year

The Lucky Carp 支付宝锦鲤

Taboos During Chinese New Year

Chinese New Year’s Family Reunion Dinner – A Delicious Feast

How to Make Chinese Dumplings – A Crash Course

The Legend of the Beast Nian – Origins of Chinese New Year

Spreading Luck at Chinese New Year

Fortune God, Kitchen God, Door God – Gods at Chinese New Year

lanterns