Check out Sydney's Lunar Lanterns for Chinese New Year 2022
Stroll along George St and check out the large-scale and spectacular-looking animals from the Chinese zodiac which light up at night. The City of Sydney have commissioned artists to create a modern-day interpretation of the zodiac animals and turn them into lanterns. I will be showing the photos I captured of my favourite lanterns dotted along George St in Sydney's CBD.
Dates: Saturday 29 Jan - Sunday 13 Feb 2022
Price: Free
The Tiger
I love seeing the two tigers facing each other and stretched which makes them look symmetrical. I also love seeing them lit up with the Victorian architecture in the background.
Location: The Galeries, 500 George St, Sydney.
Above: The tiger lantern lit up at night.
The Pig
This pig immediately gives away the impression of being a ballet dancer with its position. I think it reflects the youthful and vibrant outlook of this lantern. It's made from traditional Chinese wireframe and covered with vibrant acylic.
Location: 453 George St, Sydney (opposite the Queen Victoria Building).
Above: The pig lunar lantern opposite the Queen Victoria Building, Sydney.
The Dog
The playful and fun nature of this dog lunar lantern is reflected from the shimmering and colourful flowers cut out of recycled plastic bottles. This dog measures 2.8 metres in height.
Location: 501 George St, Sydney (outside Regent Place Shopping Centre).
Above: The lunar dog lantern located on the corner of George and Bathurst St.
The Ox
This ox lunar lantern certainly reminded me of the Japanese cat (maneki neko) which waves their arms. I liked the combination of the red, white and pink on the ox. The waving cat is also popular in Chinese culture and widely featured in many Chinese restaurants.
Location: 453 George St, Sydney.
Above: The ox lunar lantern closely representing the beckoning Japanese cat.
The Rooster
This rooster lunar lantern is made from several egg-shaped light bulbs supported by a metal frame. I love seeing this glowing lantern featured against the Victorian facades of the Town Hall steps and the Queen Victoria Building. I managed to capture people looking past the rooster because it's so eye-catching.
Location: 483 George St, Sydney (outside the Town Hall steps).
Above: The rooster lunar lantern lit up near the Town Hall steps.
The Horse
As I captured this lunar lantern from this direction, I could feel the horse actually galloping towards me. I could see the animated and energetic nature reflected in this horse as seen in the traditional Chinese sketches of horses.
Location: 488 George St, Sydney.
Above: The horse lunar lantern opposite the Queen Victoria Building, Sydney.
The Dragon
Even though I captured this dragon lunar lantern in broad daylight, I think it still stands out with its striking and bold colours. This dragon somehow reminds me of the Disney cartoon character Mushu from Mulan.
Location: 570 George St, Sydney.
Above: The dragon lunar lantern near KFC on George St, Sydney.
Getting there
Get off at Town Hall station and make your way via George St towards Haymarket. Enjoy a bite to eat at many of Haymarket's restaurants.
Check out my other top things to do in Sydney.
Love Karen
About Let There Be Life Photo
Karen is the creative founder and photographer of Let There Be Life Photo. She loves capturing Sydney and creating happy memories for lovers of Sydney. She turns beautiful images into wall art prints for Sydney lovers. Check out more of her Sydney photos featuring Sydney Harbour, Cremorne Point, Balmoral Beach and the eastern suburbs in Sydney.