As the Spring Festival approaches, January 18th marked the opening of the ninth Jinan Fantawild Spring Lantern Festival, drawing widespread attention. A group of international students from Shandong Normal University, hailing from countries like Japan, Thailand, Jordan, and Indonesia, entered the enchanting Jinan Fantawild Oriental Myth park, immersed in a magical and romantic world, to kick off a unique cultural experience event—“Hospitable Shandong, Good Taste Shandong”—for foreign friends to experience Shandong.
Upon entering the park, famous myths and historical tales were transformed into a series of immersive projects, thematic performances, and interactive activities. The international guests were captivated by the park’s various themed attractions, stopping frequently to engage and participate. From the “Nine Provinces Spirit” project, which immerses visitors in the historical vicissitudes of China over the past 5,000 years, to the indoor rafting combined with water curtain movies in “The Battle of Jinshan Temple,” each experience left them enchanted and eager to explore more.
As the sun set and night fell, the ninth Jinan Fantawild Spring Lantern Festival officially began. The international guests eagerly entered the lantern exhibition area, awestruck by the stunning scenery before them. All around, lanterns were glowing brightly, dazzling and magnificent, with a variety of beautiful floral lanterns sparkling like moving paintings, overwhelming the senses.
Six major Spring Festival-themed lantern groups became the highlight of the event. The "Mountain and Sea Fantasy" lantern group transported visitors to a poetic and picturesque world, resembling an otherworldly realm; the "Blessing Lantern Array" symbolized people’s wishes for a prosperous new year; the “Ten Thousand Prosperity Dragon Lantern” and "Happy Spring Lantern" featured dragons and the character 福 (meaning blessings), conveying auspiciousness and good fortune; the “Dragon Ascends to the Nine Provinces Corridor Lantern” and “Fish Leap into Colorful Waters Lantern” incorporated dragon and fish elements, symbolizing vigor and new opportunities.
Walking through the Jiuzhou Marketplace, the area was bustling with activity, brightly illuminated, presenting a flowing historical scroll that transported visitors back to the bustling scenes of ancient cities. Li Zeyu from Sri Lanka remarked, “When we arrived around 2 PM, the entire park hadn’t lit up yet. We learned so much about Chinese culture and the Spring Festival through the interactive activities. When the lights came on at night, it was simply breathtaking—these lanterns are stunning! I really enjoyed my time here. Since we didn’t have enough time to fully explore, next time I’ll come earlier to experience Fantawild Oriental Myth more thoroughly.”
The Spring Lantern Festival is not only a visual feast but also a platform for cultural inheritance. The international friends expressed how deeply they felt the charm and uniqueness of Chinese traditional culture through this experience. They promised to share this wonderful experience with more people, spreading the knowledge and appreciation for China.
The ninth Jinan Fantawild Spring Lantern Festival not only provided a visual and cultural feast for visitors but also served as a valuable platform for international friends to gain a deeper understanding of Chinese traditions and customs, fostering cultural exchange between China and the world.
In the future, more international friends are expected to visit Jinan Fantawild Oriental Myth and experience the allure and uniqueness of Chinese traditional culture. Additionally, it is hoped that the Jinan Fantawild Spring Lantern Festival will continue to grow, becoming a shining symbol of Chinese cultural heritage, showcasing China’s charm and splendor to the world.