Chinese Lights shine at the Boerner Botanical Gardens

Have you been looking for a place to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city, but not too far away from campus? There’s a place for you. You may have seen the signs posted on Lincoln Memorial Drive from your car or bus as you made way to campus or the flyers that have been circulating across campus, or perhaps you’ve seen the previews on the news and it sparked your curiosity. Make your way to Boerner Botanical Gardens in Hales Corner for the Chinese Lights event happening now through Nov. 6.

Make your way through 40 larger than life lighted exhibits among the grounds of the gardens. You’ll learn why certain animals like the fish, penguins and panda bears are so important to the Chinese Culture. You can even learn what your Chinese Zodiac Animal is and how twi-kon-do and the art of the face changing dance came to China. You may even find some familiar Disney characters. Let your inner child come out to play as you explore the grounds.

28 Chinese artisans came in during September to build metal framing, light them with various colored LED light, cover the framework in brightly colored fabric and  hand-paint them to add character to the many displays that you’ll enjoy throughout the gardens. The favorite of many visitors has been the 200-foot dragon that you’ll discover after meandering through fantastic animals, flowers, and images.

Visitors can enjoy or even participate in the Illumination Parade, where they go and illuminate the lights of the zodiac display by the Shrub Mall at 6:25 p.m. each night. It ends just in time for the entertainment to begin at the Main Stage. Be dazzled by Chinese acrobats, Tibetan dancers, Bian Lian (an ancient Chinese art form from the Sichuan Opera), Chinese fashion featuring Qipao and traditional Chinese dance. Show times at Tuesdays through Thursdays at 6:30 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. and Fridays through Sundays at 6:30 p.m., 8:00 p.m., and 9:00 p.m.

Hungry? No problem! Dine on various Chinese favorites such as sweet and sour chicken, spring rolls, and Asian cucumber salad among other things. Beverages are served as well. Are you like me and like to shop? There’s a Chinese Marketplace featuring various clothing, artwork, toys, jewelry, and much more.

 
Tickets can either be bought online at www.chinalights.org, or visitors can buy them on site. It’s $15 for an adult. A shuttle is available from the designated free parking areas during the weekend due to popularity. Be prepared for crowds, even during Packer and Badger games. It is opened Tuesday through Sunday from 5:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.

This is a fun event for family, friends, and lovers. My family was captivated by the colors, lights, and artistry of each exhibit. Each animal captures the majestic beauty of the creatures. The larger than life flowers enchant you. It’s a fantastical display that brings you into an Alice in a Wonderland-esque world.