Beijing’s Forbidden City Opens For the First Time at Night for Tourists to Celebrate Lantern Festival
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![Bryan Ke](https://nextshark.b-cdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/profile.jpg?width=128&auto_optimize=medium&quality=85)
By Bryan Ke
For the first time ever, Beijing’s former imperial residence, the Forbidden City, has opened its doors to tourists at night for a spectacular light show to celebrate the Lantern Festival.
The historical moment happened on Tuesday night when the Forbidden City kept its doors open past 5:00 p.m. to celebrate the end of Lunar New Year, according to Shanghaiist.
![](https://nextshark.b-cdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/1skjhdfkjsdhfkjshdflight1.jpg?width=1536&auto_optimize=medium&quality=85)
Over 3,000 visitors were lucky enough to attend the historical nighttime opening as they witnessed a breathtaking light show inside the main grounds of the palace.
![](https://nextshark.b-cdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/2ksdhfkjsdhfkjshdkfjsdlight2.jpg?width=1536&auto_optimize=medium&quality=85)
Millions of people also enjoyed the spectacular show from the comfort of their homes, as the event was on live-stream. The show was undoubtedly amazing, but some expressed their criticism.
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“The light show is so tacky. It’s like they turned the place into a cheap nightclub,” one social media user said.
Images via Shanghaiist
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