Giant lantern creatures and animals light up Zigong festival.

Handmade lanterns of mythological figures and animals illuminated the Zigong International Lantern Festival; the event runs until the Yuanxiao Festival on March 3.

Mythological beings and animals were shown in large lantern displays at the Zigong International Lantern Festival in southwestern China. The festival opened Friday as part of celebrations ahead of the Lunar New Year of the Horse, which begins Feb. 17. More than 1,200 workers took weeks to build about 200 handmade lanterns, including long figures representing Kunpeng and Mulan. Photos from opening night were credited to Maxim Shemetov of Reuters. Festival details: - More than 1,200 workers assembled roughly 200 handmade lanterns. - Displays include a 210-metre-long Kunpeng and a 180-metre-long depiction of Mulan. - The Zigong International Lantern Festival opened Friday and will run until the Yuanxiao Festival on March 3. - Lanterns are a traditional feature of Lunar New Year celebrations and are described as symbols of good fortune and guidance. - Opening-night images were provided by Reuters photographer Maxim Shemetov. Summary: The festival presented large-scale handmade lanterns depicting mythological figures and animals as part of Lunar New Year observances. The event will continue through the Yuanxiao Festival on March 3.