Shanghai's renowned Yuyuan Lantern Festival made its Bangkok debut on June 28 at IconSiam, one of the city's premier commercial centers, as part of celebrations marking the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Thailand.

The event will run until Aug 15.

This year's festival, themed "Spirit of Mountains and Seas," draws inspiration from the Shan Hai Jing (Classic of Mountains and Seas), an ancient Chinese compendium of myths and legends.

Set along the Chao Phraya River, the lantern displays blend harmoniously with their surroundings, creating an immersive experience that fuses Chinese and Thai cultural motifs.

Designers have based the event's layout on the concept of "all corners of the world", crafting four themed zones along the riverbank. Each zone features unique lighting installations, forming a vibrant and panoramic waterfront scene.

The southern zone serves as the main stage, inviting visitors into a mythological world of mirrored reflections and color-coded flora that reflect the Thai tradition of associating specific colors with each day of the week.

In the western zone, the mythical creature Bai Ze (a monster described in the Classic of Mountains and Rivers) presides over a bustling Sino-Thai marketplace set against the scenic riverside backdrop.

At the heart of the display is a central lantern design combining peony flowers and golden shower blossoms, national floral symbols of China and Thailand, respectively, symbolizing the strength and prosperity of the two nations' bilateral relationship.

Recognized in China as a national intangible cultural heritage, this Yuyuan Lantern Festival event in Bangkok marks the festival’s first full-scale presentation abroad. Its first international appearance took place in France between late 2023 and early 2024.

More than ten leading Chinese brands are participating in the festival, including the celebrated jeweler Lao Feng Xiang, showcasing both signature pieces and new designs inspired by Thai aesthetics.

A series of associated cultural activities will accompany the display, including a "Charming Shanghai" week and exhibitions highlighting traditional Eastern craftsmanship.

A culinary week, scheduled for mid- to late July, will spotlight both Chinese and Thai cuisine, further fostering cross-cultural exchange.

Since its founding in 1995, the Yuyuan Lantern Festival has evolved into a symbol of Chinese New Year celebrations. In recent years, it has evolved into a globally recognized cultural brand and a dynamic platform for cultural exchange between the East and West.

Source: Shanghai Observer