PARIS, Dec. 11 (Xinhua) -- Spectacularly shining among the 41 lighting installations at the Festival of Lights held in Lyon from Thursday to Saturday were two fine artworks from the southwestern Chinese city of Zigong, bringing some Chinese elements and originalities to the festival.
One of the artworks named "koi carp" was composed of a large red lantern in the shape of a dragon, red carps around the dragon and a base formed by a circle of lotus flowers.
The work embodies the legend that a koi carp swam up the Yellow River against the current, and the gods, impressed by the carp's courage and determination, transformed it into a magnificent water dragon that eventually flew off into the sky.
An elderly couple from Lyon said they like the gorgeous colors, exquisite details and lifelike demeanor of the lantern. They recalled that in the past the festival was only a celebration in the city but now it has become a worldwide festival.
"We are happy to see different cultures through the festival. We are very curious about Chinese culture and would like to know more," the husband, Richard, said.
The Road of Republique, one of the main streets in Lyon, was lighted up with lanterns from Zigong, which are mixed with the traditional Chinese style and modern style. Walking along the street, one feels like lingering between the past and present, dream and reality, a travel along the contemporary "Silk Road."
In the crowd admiring the Chinese lanterns, there were many young people who were attracted by Chinese art and culture. One of the young visitors, who has studied Chinese for two years, told Xinhua in mandarin that with the lighting works from China, this year's festival became more interesting and attractive.
Lyon has in recent years carried out international cooperation through the festival in the field of lighting technologies and innovations, which was highlighted by cooperation with China in the past two years.
"Cooperation between China and the Festival of Lights is very important. It works well," said Jean Francois Zurawik, director of the Lyon Festival of Light, adding he was very pleased that for the second year the festival was working with the city of Zigong.
Zurawik said apart from working with Zigong, Lyon has partnered with Shanghai and held a light festival in Shanghai in 2015. This kind of festival is also expected to be held in Hong Kong next year.
During the three-day festival, every night from 8:00 p.m. to midnight, dynamic lighting effects were shown on the surface of Lyon's landmark buildings. Accompanied by different styles of music, the transformation of light and shadow highlighted various themes -- time, evolution, love, etc. The festival is a real audio-visual feast.
The Lyon Festival of Lights offers a platform for young artists from all over the world.
It also focuses on the use of environmentally friendly and energy-saving lighting systems.
In addition, Lyon established Lighting Urban Community International in 2002, an international network that brings together 65 cities around the world to make a better use of light in urban, economic and social development.
Lyon is known for its gastronomy and is a World Heritage Site designated by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization. The city was historically an important area for silk production and it is also the birthplace of cinema.
The Festival of Lights in Lyon was born in 1852 with a history of more than 160 years. Keeping an important cultural and religious tradition of the city, the festival has become one of the symbolic images of Lyon.
