Chinese lanterns of multiple colours lighten up Copenhagen

Maybe you were one to be sorry when the Christmas hearts and lights of the streets of Copenhagen were taken down. However, until mid-February, Chinese New Year has come instead.

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By Bente D. Knudsen

If you have not yet been to central Copenhagen – then maybe this weekend could be a good opportunity.

Certainly in the late afternoon on Strøget you will find colourful and not very Nordic Design type lanterns and other decorations, Lotus flowers, I am told, above your head.

The reason why? The 2018 celebration of 10 years of Danish-Chinese strategic partnership. A range of events have been put in place under the name Lighten Up Copenhagen, which to be honest in the gloomy season is not that bad an idea.

And since it is meant to be Chinese design, and not Danish, the event is mainly sponsored by the Chinese Embassy in Denmark and other Chinese partners with a little help from Wonderful Copenhagen, the visual effect on a grey Copenhagen is rather delightful.

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Other events is the FU Shopping Festival: FU (Lucky) Shopping Festival, where amongst other Magasin, Illum and ECCO distribute FU Red Envelopes to their customers, a Chinese tradition which should bring the recipient good luck in the new year.

In February, you can explore China at the “Reading Beijing” event at the main library of Copenhagen, Københavns Hovedbibliotek. Here a whole section of the library’s lobby area will be dedicated to introducing Chinese culture and traditions.

On the 7 February you can even experience the Chorus Day event together with a Chinese delegation specially in Copenhagen for the event.

Chinese lights will remain in the the streets of Copenhagen from 16 January until 5 February 2018.