The Mid-Autumn Festival, a special occasion for leisure and relaxation, especially for children, is only three days from now, so the jubilant atmosphere has flooded many street corner, shopping centers, restaurants and lantern shops.
Those with plans to hang out with their friends, relatives or their loved ones on the full-moon night could take note of the following destinations in HCMC.
Tourists visit the lantern quarter in HCMC’s District 5
Nguyen Hue Pedestrian Square in District 1
On the full-moon night, which falls on October 4, or the fifteenth of the eighth lunar month, parents can take their kids to the pedestrian square on Nguyen Hue Boulevard in downtown HCMC to join a splendid lantern parade, enjoy music shows and admire the traditional art performance of lion, unicorn and dragon dances.
Lantern Quarter in District 5
It might be a mistake for those city dwellers who fail to spend some time dropping by the lantern selling quarter surrounded by Tran Hung Dao, Luong Nhu Hoc, Phu Dinh and Nguyen An streets in District 5 where people of all ages and from all walks of life can easily feel the traditional festive atmosphere.
The quarter is crowded with dozens of lantern shops showcasing sparkling lanterns in different shapes and vibrant colors.
Aside from taking photos with stunning lanterns, visitors to the quarter will have a chance to savor specialty food of the Chinese community such as egg sweet soup, dim sum, sticky rice made with durian and coconut milk, and Chinese-style fried rice.
Crescent Lake in Phu My Hung town in District 7
Huge numbers of local youths and foreign tourists are flocking to the Crescent Lake in HCMC’s District 7 from now until the full-moon night to delve into the miniature ancient town of lanterns like Hoi An.
Nestled in the midst of high-rise buildings and skyscrapers, the lake is a good choice for couples and young Saigonese to enjoy the wonderful full-moon night as they can find ancient red-tile roofs houses brightly lit by hundreds of colorful lanterns there, depicting a small town of Hoi An in the heart of the busy city.
Notably, tourists are able to release flower garlands on the lake on the full-moon night, which is meant to pray for good lucks and health, and participate in a lantern procession.
Especially, local famous pop stars are expected to stage outstanding music performances at the Crescent Lake on Wednesday night in harmony with the bustling festive atmosphere of the Mid-Autumn Festival.
SGT