Story and photography by Britt Cole

Knoxville’s first ever Chinese lights festival, Dragon Lights, was on display at Chilhowee Park from March 16- April 22. Presented by Tianyu Arts & Culture, Inc and SMG Knoxville, this amazing display consisted of 42 large lighted lanterns assembled on site by skilled Chinese artists who travel worldwide to keep this tradition alive.

Each lantern consists of vibrant, beautiful silk wrapped over wire with several multi colored lights to create the exotic designs that filled the park. The festival also consisted of a live Chinese acrobat show and other artists displaying their handicrafts including inner bottle and traditional Chinese sugar painting.