As the sun sets, the lagoon within Fair Park in Dallas, Texas, transforms into a magnificent spectacle where 24 lantern sets weave a rainbow of light around the fairgrounds. Visitors enter through an illuminated red tunnel to explore the festival, where each area has a distinct offering. At the center lagoon, a 130-foot-long imperial dragon boat radiantly navigates amid other twinkling showcases, such as the vibrant Castle of Dreams, cloisonné-decorated vases, and palace lanterns. Elsewhere, the shimmering Porcelain Pagoda made up of more than 70,000 hand-tied bowls, spoons, and wine cups stretches 52 feet high.

The story of these illuminated marvels begins in Sichuan, China, where nearly 50 artisans and technicians craft small pieces and raw materials before shipping them to Dallas. There, the exported cloth, glass, and porcelain is transformed over the course of several months into the lanterns that paint the night atmosphere of the festival.