Oriental World, in Rome’s Cinecittà World amusement park, will be open to the public on Nov. 24. This event takes visitors on a journey through Chinese traditions and mythology, with a pathway of about 1 kilometer illuminated by as many as 220 light installations, some of which reach impressive heights of up to 8 meters.
The festival is divided into two main sections: The Dragon Palace and Oriental Wonderland.
The Dragon Palace
This section is dedicated to the legendary figure of the Chinese Dragon, a mythical creature who, according to tradition, has the power to control the waters of the four seas. The Dragon Palace, also known as the Crystal Palace, is an underwater place inhabited by the Dragon King and his marine subjects, including the Turtle Prime Minister and Crab Generals. Visitors can immerse themselves in this watery world and discover the wonders of marine fauna and flora while exploring the mysteries of the ocean.
Oriental Wonderland
In this part of the festival, you enter a magical world populated by mythological creatures from ancient China. Here you can admire luminous sculptures representing legendary figures such as the Phoenix, the Kylin (a symbol of peace and prosperity), Xuanwu (the black turtle) and Baihu (the white tiger). Prominent among these wonders is a Chinese dragon of great size: 6 meters high, 7 meters wide and over 30 meters long.
Oriental World is included in the Cinecittà World admission ticket or can be purchased separately for those who only want to experience the Chinese Luminaria Festival.
Fun facts about Chinese illuminations
Chinese illuminations have a long tradition dating back more than 2,000 years. Originally used for military purposes as communication signals during battles, over time they have become symbols of celebration and good luck. Chinese lanterns are often associated with Chinese New Year and the Lantern Festival, which marks the end of the Lunar New Year celebrations. During this festival, thousands of lanterns are released into the sky as a symbol of hope and prosperity for the coming year.