5th edition of Gardens of Light event a stroll through Shanghai

It turns out you don’t need to book airfare to experience a taste of Chinese culture, you can just head to the Botanical gardens.

Visitors can experience a fusion of Chinese and Canadian art at “The Gardens of Light” event, which kicked off Thursday.

It is one of the city’s most popular events with more than 230,000 visitors a year.

READ MORE: Butterflies go free at Montreal’s Botanical Garden

About 1,000 lanterns are designed in Montreal and crafted in Shanghai to decorate the garden.

The theme this year is “the Son of Heaven”and it takes about a year to create the items on show.

“An area that is new this year, an artist created 16 birds nests that are all lit up too,” Amelie Cadieux, a coordinator for the event, said.

Visitors can experience life as an emperor or empress by dressing up in decadent outfits and taking pictures on the throne or simply enjoying the magical views.

The Japanese garden offers a more contemplative experience. You can sit in front of one of the typical Japanese dry gardens and experience a zen moment while clutching a cup of green tea.

If you have more time, you can witness a 45-minute traditional tea ceremony, Saturdays until Sept. 3.