This winter, RZSS Edinburgh Zoo will be home to The Giant Lanterns of China. Produced by Chinese craftsmen in Sichuan, the lanterns have travelled over 5,000 miles by boat to become part of an installation of over 450 awe-inspiring giant lanterns that will illuminate the zoo this winter.
A magical nocturnal trail awaits, where you will discover beautifully crafted lanterns, rich with colour and character. You will see colossal Chinese lanterns, such as the dragon, temple and zodiac signs, alongside over 200 animal themed lanterns including giant pandas, lions and penguins; all beautifully hand-crafted by over 150 Chinese artists using traditional techniques.
The trail will explore three themes: China, RZSS Edinburgh Zoo, and the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland’s (RZSS) worldwide animal conservation work. The route is approximately a one mile long loop and will take around an hour and a half to complete. Along the way you can be wowed by Chinese performers, enjoy wintery hot drinks and snacks and be able to shop in the Christmas marketplace featuring hand-made crafts from Chinese artisans.
Barbara Smith, CEO at RZSS Edinburgh Zoo, said: “There is huge excitement building around The Giant Lanterns of China and it’s incredible to see the first of our beautiful sculptures arrive in Edinburgh. The event came about thanks to our long-standing association with Sichuan – the birthplace of Edinburgh Zoo’s giant pandas, Tian Tian (Sweetie) and Yang Guang (Sunshine), the only giant pandas in the UK. They too made the 5,000-mile journey to Edinburgh six years ago this December, so this feels like a fitting celebration.”
There are 50 dates available from 1st Dec 2017 to 25th Feb 2018.
The event has half hour entry timeslots from 4.30pm to 7.30pm (for a 9pm finish). Click here for tickets, FAQs and T&Cs
Brought to you in partnership with the VYA Creative Lantern Company and DDM Entertainment and Events Inc.
