ISSUE
Friday, August 15, 2025
Volume 16 . Issue 72
More than 60 food stalls and exhibits, including eight brand-new lanterns, non-stop entertainment from 28 performers including the Nair Ensemble from Inner Mongolia in China’s far North West, were the highlights of Christchurch's 11th Lantern Festival held on February 19.
Other attractions included the Shanghai Shangwu martial arts bubble and magic show, the young Chinese knotting master Zhou Lingling demonstrating her knot tying skills, and toffee artist Huang Hongmei showcasing the traditional Chinese craft of painting with caramelised sugar.
Asia New Zealand Foundation Director of Culture, Jennifer King, noted, “Each year, the foundation works with partner organisations in China to choose performers that help capture the diversity of Chinese culture. The aim of the festival is to acknowledge the contributions that people of Chinese heritage have made to New Zealand and to give non-Chinese New Zealanders the chance to have real-life, authentic experiences of Chinese culture. It’s the second year of our partnership with Christchurch City Council, and we’re really delighted with the way they have been dealing with the event and their commitment to authenticity.”
On the question of locals supporting the event, Christchurch City Councillor Jimmy Chen, who hails from Taiwan, noted in a Facebook post, “There were more than 20,000 people participating in the event to experience Chinese culture through hundreds of vibrantly coloured lanterns, food and craft stalls, as well as the staged cultural performances. That's really fantastic!”
Meanwhile, officials of Christchurch City Council informed that half of the proceeds from all lantern sales at the event will go towards the Mayors Welfare Fund, which will aid in the Port Hills fire relief.
More than 60 food stalls and exhibits, including eight brand-new lanterns, non-stop entertainment from 28 performers including the Nair Ensemble from Inner Mongolia in China’s far North West, were the highlights of Christchurch's 11
More than 60 food stalls and exhibits, including eight brand-new lanterns, non-stop entertainment from 28 performers including the Nair Ensemble from Inner Mongolia in China’s far North West, were the highlights of Christchurch's 11th Lantern Festival held on February 19.
Other attractions included the Shanghai Shangwu martial arts bubble and magic show, the young Chinese knotting master Zhou Lingling demonstrating her knot tying skills, and toffee artist Huang Hongmei showcasing the traditional Chinese craft of painting with caramelised sugar.
Asia New Zealand Foundation Director of Culture, Jennifer King, noted, “Each year, the foundation works with partner organisations in China to choose performers that help capture the diversity of Chinese culture. The aim of the festival is to acknowledge the contributions that people of Chinese heritage have made to New Zealand and to give non-Chinese New Zealanders the chance to have real-life, authentic experiences of Chinese culture. It’s the second year of our partnership with Christchurch City Council, and we’re really delighted with the way they have been dealing with the event and their commitment to authenticity.”
On the question of locals supporting the event, Christchurch City Councillor Jimmy Chen, who hails from Taiwan, noted in a Facebook post, “There were more than 20,000 people participating in the event to experience Chinese culture through hundreds of vibrantly coloured lanterns, food and craft stalls, as well as the staged cultural performances. That's really fantastic!”
Meanwhile, officials of Christchurch City Council informed that half of the proceeds from all lantern sales at the event will go towards the Mayors Welfare Fund, which will aid in the Port Hills fire relief.
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