A Chinese proverb says, “better to light a candle than to curse the darkness.” At the 2017 Chinese Lantern Festival, taking place at the Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden in Belmont, NC now through October 29th, families can experience first hand the absolute wonder and beauty that light can lend to the dark. Spanning over 12 acres, more than 800 colorful lanterns can be seen illuminating the landscape, each handmade by master craftsmen from Zigong, China. Ranging from delicate tree-perched birds to larger-than-life dinosaurs, the festival’s theme of “The Wild” can be seen (and heard!) throughout, celebrating animals and fauna from across the globe.
My family and I were able to attend on a Wednesday evening. I was surprised by how many visitors were also there — likely well over 2,000 people. There was plenty of parking with shuttles that ran to the farthest lots. However, the best option we found was to arrive right at 5:30 PM. We had one of the closest parking spots and were able to see all of the amazing lanterns before the crowds arrived. We leisurely strolled the gardens but found that by 7:30, the paths were completely full with onlookers. Arriving at dusk helped us get some great pictures that would have been difficult to capture in the dark. (After sunset, the temperature dropped considerably; you will want to bring an extra layer to stay cozy.)
In addition to the breathtaking lights, the garden hosts Asian-inspired botanical displays. Demonstrations of Kung Fu, Shadow Play, and authentic Chinese folk art round out the experience. The Kung Fu demonstration was excellent and was a fully choreographed display of movement to exciting music. My kids were especially fascinated with the various uses of swords and other show weapons. The Shadow Play first began with a brief history of the art, and then amazed and entertained the audience. In the craft area, children were to create a simple paper lantern to take home as a souvenir. Finally, the Food Truck area had restrooms adjacent and picnic seating for grabbing a bite to eat. Popcorn was available for a donation, and there were some hot beverage options in the garden gift shop. Adult beverages were also available in a few locations.
The Chinese Lantern Festival is an almost indescribable experience and one that you must see for yourself. Nothing short of magical, it is an evening your family will not forget. Go light up the night at the 2017 Chinese Lantern Festival!
All guests are highly encouraged to purchase tickets online in advance. If tickets are not sold out for an evening, tickets will also be available at the door. Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden is located at 6500 South New Hope Road in Belmont, NC. For more information, visit www.dsbg.org or call (704) 825-4490.
Disclaimer: The author of this article received complimentary tickets for her family for the purpose of this review; no other compensation was provided. All opinions expressed herein are her own.
