The Yuyuan Garden in Shanghai, built during the Ming dynasty some 400 years ago, is one of the places that kept the most authentic old Shanghai flavor. A trial for the garden's annual lantern fair was held on Sunday, days ahead of its official opening, attracting hoards of visitors.
Decked out with fiery red lanterns, the Yuyuan Garden, already a tourist attraction for its beautiful gardens typical of south of the Yangtze River, is filled with festive atmosphere. Colorful lanterns feature ample popular historical legends, such as Confucius teaching his disciples, General Guan Yu's heroic feats and Cao Chong weighing an elephant. But the most attractive piece is none other than a monkey king standing eight meters tall, and weighing one ton.
The golden armor-clad monkey king is surrounded and acclaimed by all the little monkeys at the Mountain of Flowers and Fruits. And a lantern display creates a joyful atmosphere for the visitors swarming in.
With all these colorful and beautifully-made lanterns, Yuyuan Garden is expected to be one of the most popular destinations during the Spring Festival holiday. The lantern fair will last until the end of February.
