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What better way to experience something different with the kids than a holiday to see the fantastic wonders of China? The vast country has opened itself up to the world in recent decades and is now a must-see destination for a whole new generation of visitors. The Lantern Festival marks the end of the Chinese New Year. Held on the 15th day of the Lunar month, the event brings vibrant colour to the spring celebrations. Whilst China is a very safe country to visit, I still suggest taking out a single trip travel insurance policy for peace of mind in the event of the extraordinary. With that taken care of, you and your family are ready to experience a world of dragons, fire and exotic foods. Below is a short introduction to the activities and the best locations to attend. Lantern Riddles Beginning in the Song Dynasty, these riddles are a central feature of the celebrations. They are written on paper notes and affixed to brightly-coloured lanterns. Crowds of people then try to figure out the often witty riddles. The owners will confirm or reject the answers and award prizes to those who get it right! Lighting Lanterns The most prominent event of the festival is lighting and watching the lanterns ascend into the sky. The process of setting the paper aflame is symbolic of fertility and creating new life. It is a fascinating spectacle and the lanterns come in all sorts of shapes and sizes, including fish, dragons and even ghosts! Visitors should remember to be respectful during this part of the celebration; many Chinese people use this time as an opportunity to pray for the year ahead as the lights soar into the distance. Tangyuan These golf-ball sized dumplings have been an important part of the merrymaking since the age of the Song Dynasty. Filled with tasty treats such as peanuts and rose petals, these delightful steamed snacks will have you reaching for more. The roundness of the dumplings is symbolic of the wholeness and togetherness of family and soul during the festivities. Guangzhou Yuexiu Park Fair This fair takes place for almost the entirety of February and the very start of March. The event is held in the stunning Yuexiu Park which is large enough to provide an array of activities for the whole family to participate in. Qinhuai International Festival This is the largest festival in China and lasts even longer than the Guangzhou Fair. The merrymaking is centred on the astounding Confucius Temple in Qinhuai which provides a stunning backdrop to the bustling foreground. Booking Tips The lantern fairs in China are exceedingly popular so accommodation and flights should be booked well in advance to ensure you don’t pay more than you need to. Purchasing single trip travel insurance will protect you against unexpected theft or illnesses, allowing you to focus on enjoying the festivities – and the joy of watching your children marvel over the luminous lanterns. Patrick Chong is the Managing Director of InsureMore, an award-winning team of specialists in global, annual and single trip travel insurance policies. Besides offering great deals on travel insurance, Patrick also collects and shares the best free travel competitions to help his clients get the most out of their holidays.
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