A thousand and one stars, Chinese Lanterns Show at Montreal Botanical Gardens, 2008 by T. E. Smith-Lamothe

Canon G7

Every year at the Chinese Garden in Montreal's Botanical Gardens, Chinese Lanterns from Shanghai are set up on display. 2008's theme was "A Thousand and One Stars" featuring displays related to Chinese performing arts and acrobatics.

The garden itself was conceived and constructed in 1990-91 under the direction of Le Weizhong and was a joint project of the Parks Department of Shanghai and the Montreal Botanical Gardens. The garden design was inspired by the private gardens popular in Southern China during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644 BCE).

This hand-held panorama was taken during the daytime on a rainy October day --- at night the colourful lanterns come alive with the "Dream Lake" animating the scene with many reflections. For more information on the Chinese Garden, visit: www2.ville.montreal.qc.ca/jardin/en/chine/chine.htm