Last weekend, the 2023 Beijing Chaoyang International Light Festival commenced, showcasing light and shadow art scenes at landmarks such as Liangma River, Olympic Park, Sanlitun, Blue Harbor, Gaobeidian Lake, offering a dreamy experience of immersive night tours.

The Liangma River glowed brilliantly under the night sky, shimmering with rippling waves and attracting crowds of visitors. 24 bridges spanning the river were adorned with light strips and projections. Across the skyline, the "Spring of Chaoyang" projection show unfolded upon the city's buildings. Abstract geometric forms outlined by light and shadow resembled urban silhouettes, vibrant colors dancing within, exuding vitality and dynamism.

"Wow! It lights up!" exclaimed children at the luminous cloud-shaped benches on the north bank of the Yansha Bridge. The bench, designed in animal shapes, exuded an artistic sense, changing colors upon touch or sitting, resembling vibrant clouds amidst the night.

Suddenly, a golden "Phoenix" appeared to "fly" over the Liangma River. Intricately crafted, it symbolized the phrase "The phoenix sings, perched on yonder high mound; The parasol tree grows, in the morning sun."

At the Haoyun Bridge and the north bank of the Lanmeng Bridge, mechanical crystal lights and interactive gem installations gathered. The vibrant crystal flower light spheres linked with gradient dreamy colors, painting beautiful decorative pictures along the Liangma River. Firefly-like lights scattered across the grass, converging into a dreamy starry sky, illuminating Chaoyang like a constellation.

The "Everything Born" light show at the Bogong Ship Lock was also stunning. A 6-minute projection comprised three chapters, with the third scene displaying a romantic pink flower sea. The blossoming flowers combined with the sound of cracking ice showcased the vitality of all things growing. "Though the Light Festival is in winter, we hope everyone feels the exuberance of spring by the Liangma River," explained a representative from Chaoyang Culture and Tourism Group.

For those weary from wandering, people could step into riverside retail vehicles, small taverns, and restaurants. They could relax while enjoying the novel and interesting light shows. In this leisurely atmosphere, they experienced the unique charm of Chaoyang's endless nights.

The Electric Harp at Taikoo Li Sanlitun, designed by an Australian artist, incorporated light-sensing technology, creating a "harp" that all visitors could play. By lightly touching the installed strings on the platform, they could ensemble a one-of-a-kind melody. Meanwhile, the Olympic Park will host the Olympic Tower light show and the Olympic Forest Night Run, among other activities.

In recent years, Chaoyang District has continuously developed into a "City That Never Sleeps." In April 2019, the Olympic Tower completed its lighting project. Subsequently, areas such as Sanlitun, CBD, Dawangjing, Liangma River, Gaobeidian, the extension of Chang'an Street, and East Third Ring have sequentially implemented "Lighting Projects," gradually shaping the "City That Never Sleeps."

Translator: WANG Yixin

Reviewer: WANG Luchun