Washington (People's Daily) - On January 23, the John F. Kennedy Center in Washington DC, lit up Chinese lanterns to celebrate the Chinese Lunar New Year. The event attracted a large number of visitors.

There were 100 winter lanterns designed for this event. (Photos: Li Zhiwei)

This is the fifth Lunar New Year Celebration in the John F. Kennedy Center, and for the first time, the Winter Lanterns are open to the public. Approximately 100 Winter Lanterns crafted by Chinese artisans and made of 10,000 colored LED lights adorn the REACH throughout the festival. The Winter Lanterns we’re first lit on the January 23 and will continue until February 2.

The Winter Lanterns are one of a series of celebrations held at the John F. Kennedy Center during the Spring Festival. 

Visitors experience Chinese calligraphy.

The theme of the Winter Lanterns is the Chinese Zodiac. The Lantern Festival is divided into multiple exhibition areas, including the 12 Zodiac Signs, Chinese Four Symbols, Panda Grove, Flower Path, Mushroom Garden, Sea Turtle Reef and Jellyfish Lagoon.

On the same day, Chinese cultural activities were also held, including Chinese calligraphy, writing Spring Festival couplets, traditional costumes, and Peking Opera lectures. At the event, many Americans were actively experiencing Chinese culture.

This year's event runs from January 22 to February 2. On January 22, A well-designed concert by Shanghai Chinese Orchestra, featuring Chinese folk music charmed an audience of over 2,000 people. This concert kicked off the fifth annual Lunar New Year Celebration in the John F. Kennedy Center.

This year's Chinese New Year celebrations at John F. Kennedy Center are larger and longer than in previous years. The Lunar New Year Celebration will not just be about observing performances or beautiful lanterns, but also include hands-on, family-friendly activities to enjoy as well.