Chinese lanterns shine in California

In California, a Chinese lantern show is being held at the Great America Park. It includes 80 groups of lanterns from China's Southwest City of Zigong.

With the flick of a switch, lanterns from China light up this park in Santa Clara, California. From China's cultural icon the Dragon, to its national treasure, the giant panda, the lanterns fit right in.

"Good, this is awesome!"

"It is so, so beautiful, I should I could... all year round. I love it!"

The lanterns were designed by artists across China...and refined by 50 craftsmen in southwest China's Zigong city, famous for its lantern festival that began more than 300 years ago. And this is their second show in Silicon Valley.

"I came last year and it was a bit smaller, but still beautiful. And I came back this year, and there is just so much more to enjoy."

But since the ancient Chinese art moved from its homeland, it's also added local taste.

Chen Jiming, Zigong Vice Mayor, said, "The Zigong lanterns have been on display in more than 40 countries and regions worldwide. We added some American cultural features into the lanterns this time, and they like it."

Last year, the show was on for 28 days, and attracted more than 400 thousand visitors.

Paul Fong, Member, California State Assembly, said, "The lantern expresses the cultural aspects of it, which will create better understanding with other people in this country."

This year's show will last about one month. Organizers say the event will promote diversity in the US, and will help visitors to better understand Chinese culture.