A group of 25 specialist craftspeople from China have made a 5000-mile journey to Scotland’s capital.
They are creating the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland’s winter extravaganza at Edinburgh Zoo, The Giant Lanterns of China.
The craftspeople will begin building over 450 gigantic lantern installations and transforming Edinburgh Zoo into an impressive light spectacle for 50 nights between December 1 this year, and February 25 2018. The craftspeople from Sichuan province in China will stay in Edinburgh throughout the winter months to help maintain the 469 lanterns that will form The Giant Lanterns of China event.
Pupils from Braehead Primary School in Stirling were part of the official welcoming committee at the Zoo. A group of P5 school pupils performed a traditional Chinese dance, which translated to Jasmine Flower. They also presented the Chinese group with an extra special gift – the adoption of a Scottish wildcat, the only native cat species which can be seen at the zoo.
Anna Forrest and Szymon Buca, both age 9, of Braehead Primary School, Stirling
In return, the craftspeople gifted the pupils with a bespoke, handmade cherry blossom lantern to be put on display at the school.
Barbara Smith, CEO at RZSS Edinburgh Zoo, said: ‘After a 5,000-mile journey from China, we are thrilled to welcome the craftspeople to Edinburgh Zoo. The lantern sculptures created by the artisans are absolutely awe-inspiring and we look forward to seeing the giant lanterns transform the Zoo this winter. The countdown is now on to our official switch on in December.’
Mr Ming, project manager for VYA Creative Lantern Company, said: ‘We are very excited to be in Scotland’s capital. The Giant Lanterns of China will capture the magic of China’s traditional lantern festivals and offer a taste of Sichuan culture for visitors at Edinburgh Zoo. We would like to give heartfelt thanks to the school pupils who learned a Chinese dance and welcomed us with the gift of a Scottish wildcat adoption.’
Abigail Milne and Rory McLeod , 9, of Braehead Primary School, Stirling, at the launch of the Giant Lanterns of China event in Edinburgh Zoo
The Giant Lanterns of China trail will explore three themes: China, RZSS Edinburgh Zoo, and the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland’s (RZSS) worldwide animal conservation work. The large-scale lanterns include 30 giant pandas and a 115-foot long Chinese dragon, which took 15 craftspeople a total of 2000 hours to build.
The lanterns will be showcased alongside beautiful flowers, fauna, insects, and Chinese heritage symbols such as signs of the zodiac and traditional archways. The Giant Lanterns of China project is co-produced by DDM Entertainment & Events Inc of Ontario, Canada and The VYA Creative Lantern Company.
Each evening, visitors to the event will be entertained with special surprises such as performances, food and craft stalls. It will give visitors a taste of Chinese culture while they explore the epic works of lantern art.
Tickets for The Giant Lanterns of China are priced from ÂŁ17.50 per adult and available at: www.edinburghzoo.org.uk/lanterns
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