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E-mail China.org.cn, January 30, 2024
An undated photo shows one section of the dragon-year-themed exhibition at the National Aquatics Center in Beijing. [Photo provided to China.org.cn]
Starting in late January, the National Aquatics Center, a dual-Olympic venue in Beijing, is hosting a series of festive celebrations to ring in the Year of the Dragon in the Chinese Zodiac.
The extravaganza includes displays of dragon-shaped decorations, light shows, and dragon sculptures. It also features a dragon-year-themed exhibition, captivating performances of intangible cultural heritage, and a vibrant Spring Festival fair, providing visitors with a unique holiday experience and adding a festive touch to the city.
The venue is set to become a new cultural tourism landmark during the Spring Festival season. Its exterior is adorned with a 1,000-square-meter Chinese dragon decoration, while visitors can explore the dragon-year-themed exhibition inside, which is open to the public from Jan. 26 to March.
Focusing on traditional Chinese dragon elements, the exhibition features over 200 rare cultural relics created by Chinese folk artists and showcases dragon images in seven major categories. These include the world's oldest cartoon dragon from Chinese shadow puppetry, carved dragon woodworks, dragon-themed printmaking artworks, the world's oldest dragon-inspired theater plays, colored dragon drawings, dragon embroidery designs, and dragon-shaped New Year pictures.
The National Aquatics Center in Beijing has launched a dragon-themed exhibition to celebrate the upcoming Chinese Year of the Dragon. [Photo provided to China.org.cn]
The exhibition also includes two large-scale interactive installations inspired by dragons. Visitors can explore a maze designed in the shape of "龍," the traditional Chinese character of "dragon," and try their hands at painting dragon-shaped masks.
Another audio-visual installation featuring a 30-meter-long dragon figure is on display in the Olympic competition hall.
In addition, the venue is hosting daily performances of the intangible cultural heritage of dual dragon dancing from Zhejiang province, immersing visitors in festive vibes with unique dragon dance moves that date back to the late Qing dynasty (1644-1911).
With hundreds of handmade festive lantern decorations, as well as the participation of local artisans and cuisine makers, the next event to look forward to in February is a Chinese Lunar New Year-themed fair. Visitors will be able to explore intangible cultural heritage products, savor delicious local cuisines, and browse the venue's vibrant selection of merchandise offerings.
Furthermore, the venue's south square will come alive with the enchanting glow of lanterns and sculptures depicting the animals of the Chinese Zodiac. Here, visitors can explore various food stalls offering culinary delights from across the country, browse booths showcasing intangible cultural heritage products, and even enjoy a ski resort experience on the square's western side.
The underground Ice Sports Center will offer several ticket discounts for skating and curling activities. Meanwhile, swimming services and water park facilities will remain open to the public during the Spring Festival season.
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