PHOTOS: Chinese Lanterns Light Up Cary Through The Holidays
By Ryan Wilusz
Published December 2, 2016 at 10:39 AM EST
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A 196-foot-long Chinese Dragon floats on Symphony Lake at Cary’s Koka Booth Amphitheatre on Nov. 27. The Chinese view dragons as spiritual symbols, and the dragon culture dates back over 8,000 years. ";
Ryan Wilusz
The Cary Booth Amphitheatre has been transformed into a mesmerizing and bright setting with more than 20 displays as part of the North Carolina Chinese Lantern Festival.
Each display is comprised of hundreds of parts and thousands of LED lights that take the shape of larger-than-life lanterns. Some depict traditional Chinese symbols, like the dragon, while others take on more modern stories, like Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.
The seven-week event also includes dance and arts performances and craft activities. It runs through January 15.
Note: This photo gallery is part of an occasional installment in collaboration with students and faculty at the School of Media and Journalism at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill.
Multiple lantern displays represent the Chinese zodiac animals at Cary’s Koka Booth Amphitheatre on Nov. 27. The display is part of the second NC Chinese Lantern Festival.
Credit Ryan Wilusz / WUNC
This lantern display represents the Dragon Dance, a traditional dance that originated in China. The dance is one of the most popular forms of entertainment at Chinese festivals.
Credit Ryan Wilusz / WUNC
Three people view a display at the NC Chinese Lantern Festival in Cary. It's one of 20 displays at the festival.
Credit Ryan Wilusz / WUNC
A lantern display depicting swans reflects on Symphony Lake at Cary’s Koka Booth Amphitheatre on Nov. 27. The display is part of the second NC Chinese Lantern Festival.
Credit Ryan Wilusz / WUNC
The second NC Chinese Lantern Festival at Cary’s Koka Booth Amphitheatre consists of 20 displays made of silk and over 15,000 LED lights.
Credit Ryan Wilusz / WUNC
Over 20 displays made of silk and over 15,000 LED lights are showcased at the second NC Chinese Lantern Festival at Cary’s Koka Booth Amphitheatre. The festival runs every Tuesday through Sunday until Jan. 15. Gates open at 6 p.m. each night and close at 10 p.m.
Credit Ryan Wilusz / WUNC
Song Zhuan Yue balances a pot on his head during a performance at the second NC Chinese Lantern Festival at Cary’s Koka Booth Amphitheatre. Performances occur each night of the festival, which takes place every Tuesday through Sunday until Jan. 15.
Credit Ryan Wilusz / WUNC
Fan Li performs a Chinese dance during the NC Chinese Lantern Festival at Cary’s Koka Booth Amphitheatre on Nov. 27.
Credit Ryan Wilusz / WUNC
A giant panda display is one of more than 20 displays made of silk and over 15,000 LED lights showcased at the second NC Chinese Lantern Festival at Cary’s Koka Booth Amphitheatre. The festival runs every Tuesday through Sunday until Jan. 15.
Credit Ryan Wilusz / WUNC
Josh McLaughlin, right, holds his 2-year-old daughter Mackenzie McLaughlin in front of the Chinese Dragon display at Cary’s Koka Booth Amphitheatre on Nov. 27. The Durham residents were attending the NC Chinese Lantern Festival for the first time.
Credit Ryan Wilusz / WUNC
A depiction of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs sits near Symphony Lake at Cary’s Koka Booth Amphitheatre on Nov. 27. The display is part of the second NC Chinese Lantern Festival.