Visitors to Circular Quay during the Lunar New Year celebrations will see giant animal lanterns representing the creatures of the zodiac dotted around the harbour. Each one has been designed by an Asian-Australian artist, measures up to 13 metres in height and is best seen after dusk when lit up in full, vibrant colour.
Bring the whole family and get up close to these magnificent, giant artworks. You can make an evening of it by following the path from the Sydney Opera House to the Rocks, discovering all 12 lanterns along the way before heading to Chinatown for a spicy feast in honour of the celebrations.
We'll see some of glowing figures return from previous years, including Qian Jian Hua's three-dimensional pig-shaped grid, Pamela See's herd of paper cut-style sheep, and Laurens Tan's six-metre inflatable ox.
Among the new lanterns is the rodent-focused centrepiece: a tower of nine golden animatronic rats, each standing nearly 3 metres metres tall. The golden hue signifies prosperity and luck, and also references this year's elemental sign of metal. The lantern, designed by Claudia Chan Shaw, will be installed at First Fleet Park in The Rocks.
Lunar Lanterns are on exhibit from January 31 through February 9.