Lunar Lanterns 2019

Overview

Circular Quay is ushering in the Year of the Pig with the unveiling of three new lanterns in its Lunar Lanterns exhibition, which runs from February 1 through February 10. The complete artwork includes all 12 signs of the Chinese zodiac (and one extra pig) with the free exhibition spreading out around Circular Quay.

The three larger-than-life new lanterns include an abstract pig made from a lattice of pink lights, designed by Chinese sculptor Qian Jian (Justin) Hua and situated on the Sydney Opera House's western boardwalk; a striped ox atop a gongshi (shaped rocks that have long been collected by Chinese scholars) at Cadman's Cottage in the Rocks; and a tower of juggling monkeys at East Circular Quay. Last year's flying pigs are also returning, with the spiral of 1000 individual pigs located at the Overseas Passage Terminal in the Rocks.

Sydney's 23rd annual Chinese New Year Festival is the largest outside of Asia, with an estimated 1.4-million people expected to join the festivities from February 1 through 10. You can check out the full list of lanterns, and where to find them, here.

First image: Daniel Tran.