Chinese Lanterns and New Year Festival in Shanghai

Leo arrived in Shanghai during the city’s grand celebration of Chinese New Year. Everywhere, red lanterns, colorful ribbons, and dragon figures adorned the streets. The air was filled with joy and festive excitement. Leo felt lucky to be in this amazing place at such a magical time.

He was met by a guide named Li, who happily agreed to show him around the streets of Shanghai and introduce him to the most exciting spots. “Welcome to Shanghai, Leo! Chinese New Year is a special time when we decorate homes and streets, set off fireworks, and hold parades with dragon dances,” said Li. Leo listened with interest, imagining how bright and beautiful Shanghai looked during this celebration.

First, Li led Leo to the city’s main square, where hundreds of red lanterns were hanging. Leo was amazed: the lanterns came in various sizes and shapes, and many were decorated with patterns of flowers, birds, and dragons. Li explained that red symbolizes happiness and good luck in China, which is why lanterns are always red. Leo could feel the joy and energy of the festival surrounding him.

Later, they went to watch the parade and saw dancing dragons. These were enormous figures that moved as if they were alive, controlled by a group of people. “The dragon symbolizes strength, luck, and protection,” Li explained. “Chinese people believe that the dragon dance helps drive away evil spirits and brings happiness and prosperity for the new year.” Leo watched the dance, impressed by how the dancers’ movements made the dragon appear almost real.

On the street, traditional Chinese treats were also being sold, and Li offered Leo a few to try. Leo happily tasted “tangyuan”—sweet rice balls that are served for the New Year, as they symbolize family unity and togetherness. “Chinese New Year is also a family holiday, where people gather to celebrate and wish each other happiness,” Li explained. Leo was glad to learn that different countries have their own unique New Year traditions.

That evening, they went to the river, where the Lantern Festival began. Small and large lanterns in the shapes of lotus flowers, dragons, and other figures floated on the water. Each lantern glowed warmly, creating a colorful and spectacular display on the water. Li explained that sending lanterns afloat is a tradition for wishing happiness and good fortune for the coming year. Leo imagined how each person makes a wish and sets their lantern on a journey.

Later, Li invited Leo to launch his own lantern. Leo was excited: he wrote his wish on a piece of paper and attached it to a small lotus-shaped lantern. Then he gently placed it on the water and watched as it floated away, softly illuminating the darkness. It was a magical feeling, and Leo wished for many wonderful journeys in the new year.

As a farewell, Li gave Leo a small souvenir—a Chinese lantern—so he could take a piece of the festival with him. Leo thanked him for an incredible day and promised to tell his friends about how Chinese New Year is celebrated in China. Now he knew that Chinese New Year is not just a time for fireworks and lanterns, but a holiday full of traditions, family, and happiness.

As Leo left Shanghai, he looked back at the streets lit by red lanterns one last time, knowing this journey would stay in his heart as one of his brightest and most magical adventures.