Dark, cold and wet. I was standing in the middle of the aptly named “Het Park” near the Euromast in Rotterdam on a very chilly night with a trampled layer of melting snow around my feet. Yet, despite having almost lost all feeling in my ungloved fingers, I didn’t quite want to leave. Why not? Because all around me were colourful, illuminated figures – some even moving – that created a feeling far better than running inside to get warm would do.
From December 7th 2012 until February 14th 2013, Het Park in Rotterdam will be transformed into an illuminated Chinese wonderland, known as China Light Rotterdam. It took four weeks and over 40 Chinese artists but the effort was well worth it because everywhere you look is something to ooh and ahh at – lotus flowers, mandarin ducks, a 100-metre-long dragon and even a Temple of Heaven.
But no matter how carefully I pick my words, this is one time when giving you a sense of the event is best done with photos. Trust me, you’ll see why.
Look out for the naughty boy on the top who seems to have had a little too much to drink!
The dragon is a symbol of fortune.
The dragon is 100-metres long.
The funky monkey corridor
The funky monkey corridor
A little touch of Dutch
The pandas had their own little village.
Temple of Heaven
The funky monkey corridor
Studying goes a long way.
Chinese Lanterns
Fish arrive when you need them.
The gateway is constructed of five layers and is a traditional memorial gate.
China Light Rotterdam is open daily from 16:30* until 22:00 (Dec 7 – Feb 14, closed Dec 31) and not only can you meander through the lit displays, you can also enjoy Chinese music, dance, acrobatics and a laser show. For more information or to book tickets, visit www.chinalightrotterdam.nl
Tip: Don’t pass up the folded map. Not only does it show you where everything is but it also gives you a description about each display and the event itself. Well worth it!
*On December 7th the park opens at 19:00.
I attended the press preview of China Light Rotterdam as part of my role as a Holland Ambassador with the Netherlands Board of Tourism & Conventions.
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Oh, this looks so amazing! I want to go there. Lovely photos!
Thank you. I hope that it is on next year as well (as in winter 2013).
This looks like a fascinating performance! I’ve been lucky enough to witness some spectacular parades while based in Korea as an ESL teacher.
I hope to get time to check it out. It looks great.
And I did. I went there with my Dad during my parents visit. Great stuff.
Glad you (and your dad) enjoyed it.