Mystical Creatures of the Orient
Mystical creatures have existed in the mythology of nations worldwide, serving as messengers of the greatest civilizations on Earth. Greek mythology features unicorns, centaurs, Hydra, and Pegasus. Indian mythology introduces the serpent god Naga and the golden-winged Garuda. Japanese folklore tells of the nine-headed dragon Kuzuryu and the nine-tailed fox Kitsune. Meanwhile, Egyptian mythology reveres deities such as Ra, Anubis, Thoth, and Horus, represented as falcons, jackals, and ibises.
“Shan Hai Qi Yi Ji” describes a world of mystical beings as depicted in the Classic of Mountains and Seas (Shan Hai Jing), one of China’s oldest geographical records from the Warring States period. This ancient text not only chronicles the landscapes of ancient China but also describes mythical beasts with extraordinary characteristics, embodying ancient knowledge and reflecting the worldview and philosophy of early East Asian civilizations.
The “Selection of Strange Tales in Linh Nam”, compiled during the late Tran Dynasty, is Vietnam’s first folklore anthology. It documents legendary tales about the Vietnamese people’s origins, beliefs about the Earth and sky, the connection between humanity and nature, and the virtues of loyalty and love. Stories such as the Dragon and Fairy ancestors, the Hong Bang dynasty, Lac Long Quan slaying monsters to save the people, the Hung Kings, and the Four Immortals remain deeply rooted in Vietnamese culture today.
The parallels between the Classic of Mountains and Seas and the Selection of Strange Tales in Linh Nam—stories of water dragons, nine-tailed foxes, mermen, tree spirits, and golden turtles—highlight the history of cultural exchange between nations and civilizations.
The exhibition “Selection of Strange Tales in Linh Nam & Classic of Mountains and Seas – Mystical Creatures of the Orient” is a grand and unique artistic installation. It paints a mythical universe of the Orient, telling the story of civilizations converging over millennia through the language of light and color. Visitors will explore a dazzling garden, illuminated by mystical creatures shining brightly in the skies above Ocean City.
The Ocean International Lantern Exhibition 2025, in collaboration with the Fosun Group, the organization behind the Yu Garden Lantern Festival—a recognized intangible cultural heritage of China—presents a 20-year-old tradition of combining modern and traditional artistry. This event continues to attract millions of visitors annually in Shanghai.
Exhibited Works at the Ocean International
Lantern Exhibition 2025
THE GATE OF AUSPICIOUSNESS
The Long Mon Gate, also known as Long Mon Quan, is a prominent symbol in Eastern culture. The majestic imagery of Tran Dynasty dragons inspires its design. This imagery is often associated with the legend of the “Carp Leaping Over the Dragon Gate,” a tale where a carp transforms into a dragon after crossing a sacred waterfall or celestial gate, symbolizing strength, good fortune, and power.
A Symbol of Perseverance and Success:
The image of the carp crossing the Dragon Gate represents determination and resilience in overcoming challenges to achieve success. Just as the carp must brave strong currents and towering waterfalls, humans must endure hardships to reach their goals.
The Tran Dynasty dragon holds a deep cultural significance, embodying the strength and majesty of the era. These dragons are depicted with graceful curves and soft fluidity, their heads held high, exuding dignity and approachability.
This dragon symbolizes royal authority, national pride, and the harmony between humanity and nature. It highlights the spirit of independence and resilience that defines the Vietnamese people.
THE GOLDEN TURTLE SPIRIT
The Golden Turtle Spirit (Kim Quy) is a sacred symbol in Vietnamese culture, associated with protection, wisdom, and extraordinary power. In legends, Kim Quy appears as a divine protector, aiding King An Duong Vuong in building the Co Loa Citadel, granting him the magical crossbow, and defending the nation.
Kim Quy represents clear-sighted wisdom and supernatural strength, often depicted carrying sacred items such as a turtle claw, which was used to craft weapons to repel invaders. Additionally, Kim Quy embodies loyalty, patriotism, and a deep connection with nature, particularly symbolized by the turtle of Hoan Kiem Lake.
More than just a mythical creature, Kim Quy is a timeless emblem of Vietnamese cultural identity and values.
SILVER DRAGON
“Wonders of the Ocean Forest: The Enchantment of the Galaxy”
At the crest of the sea of clouds, under the soft glow of the moonlight, the Silver Dragon (Bach Long), adorned with shimmering silver scales, guides its young dragons as they drift across the Milky Way.
Like a river of light streaming through the night sky, they weave through vibrant nebulae, exploring distant and magical realms of the universe, full of wonder and mystery.
RETURN TO THE MOUNTAIN AND SEA
In legend, Bai Lu, also known as Thong Lung, is a mystical creature resembling a goat, distinguished by its long mane and antlers shaped like celestial scriptures. This unique creature is noted for its small fruit-like apples, which hold extraordinary powers.
According to folklore, consuming the fruit of Thong Lung grants humans wisdom and clarity, allowing them to resist worldly temptations and illusions. The image of Bai Lu not only represents intelligence and insight but also symbolizes enlightenment and the ability to discern truth in life.
Thong Lung is considered a symbol of wisdom, reminding us to seek knowledge and steer clear of confusion and deceit. It serves as an emblem of clear-mindedness and the pursuit of understanding.
REUNION AVENUE
The combination of Green Chung Cake and Red Watermelon is a unique blend of tradition and creativity in Vietnamese cuisine, particularly during the Tet Lunar New Year celebration. This pairing offers fresh and intriguing meanings in Tet culture, preserving the traditional values of Chung Cake while adding the vibrant appeal of red watermelon.
This combination can symbolize innovation within tradition and the fusion of old and new. It reflects hope for a New Year full of luck and prosperity (represented by the red color of watermelon) and stability and steadfastness (symbolized by Chung Cake). Additionally, the freshness of watermelon conveys a sense of youth, vitality, and continuous renewal in life.
THE LEGEND OF PRINCESS
In legend, the Dragon Fish is the ocean princess, the daughter of the Sea God, embodying the mystical beauty and power of the sea. With its graceful swimming motion and a body shimmering like starlight, the Dragon Fish is considered a sacred symbol of the ocean, representing nobility and elegance.
Regarded as the “princess” of the ocean, the Dragon Fish symbolizes not only beauty and power but also the mysterious connection between humanity and the sea. It is the embodiment of life and the endless mysteries of the deep ocean.
THE MIRACLE OF
THE GREAT HIGHLANDS
Fei Fei: L7m*W3.5m*H3.5m
Wei Shou embodies dignified serenity and inner tranquility. With a love for meditation and exceptional wisdom, it possesses a compassionate heart, always ready to help others overcome challenges. The appearance of Wei Shou is considered a harbinger of good fortune, capable of dispelling misfortune and bringing new opportunities and peace to those fortunate enough to encounter it.
Fei Fei, a mythical creature with a fluffy body and a pure white tail, lives hidden in the deep forests and towering mountains. It has a mystical power to dispel worries and bring peace to the soul. Often resting on blooming flowers, Fei Fei moves gently, radiating positive energy with every step.
With its pure beauty and innocence, Fei Fei sweeps away negativity, bringing luck and serenity. Its presence not only brings joy to humanity but also spreads freshness, hope, and love, making life brighter and more vibrant.
THE SAKURA
The Path of Cherry Blossoms is often associated with beauty, elegance, and renewal. In many cultures, particularly in Japan, cherry blossoms (sakura) hold deep significance, symbolizing the fleeting beauty and impermanence of life.
Cherry blossoms typically bloom in spring, marking the arrival of warmer weather and heralding a new cycle of life. They represent freshness, hope, and the promise of renewal.
FOREST OF ELVES & LU SHU
According to ancient legends of the East, seventy miles from Mount Nuu Duong lies a land with vast grasslands to the south and abundant silver mines to the north. In this land, there exists a mystical creature known as Lushu (Loc Thuc). This creature resembles a horse, with a snow-white head, a tiger-striped body, and a radiant red tail.
What makes Lushu truly special is the sound it produces—resembling the melodic singing of humans, soft and enchanting. Legend has it that touching Lushu’s hide brings good fortune, ensuring a family abundant with children and grandchildren, and bestows prosperity upon its owner.
Lushu is not only a symbol of wealth but also embodies aspirations for growth, abundance, and boundless happiness in life.
SEA WONDERLAND
In the magical world of the Ocean Forest, where the sea meets the sky, nature’s elements come together to create a breathtaking and wondrous scene. From vibrant coral reefs teeming with colorful fish to graceful sea turtles gliding through the water, the diversity of marine life forms an underwater landscape that mesmerizes and captivates.
Here, amidst swaying seaweed and shimmering waves, all creatures—great and small—exist in perfect harmony. Each species plays an essential role in this marvelous ecological wonder, showcasing the beauty and balance of life beneath the ocean’s surface.
THE DIVINE TREE
In traditional Eastern culture, the Divine Tree (Phu Tang) and Jupiter (Moc Tinh), as described in the Selection of Strange Tales in Linh Nam and the Classic of Mountains and Seas, hold profound symbolic meanings. These elements represent sacred ideas and philosophies of life, eternity, and purity.
The Divine Tree (Phu Tang): According to legend, the Phu Tang tree grows in the East, where the sun rises, symbolizing beginnings, life, and energy. It is considered the place where the sun rests before starting its journey across the sky. In literature and art, the Divine Tree often appears as a symbol of renewal and positive energy.
Jupiter (Moc Tinh): In Eastern philosophy and astronomy, Jupiter is both a celestial body and a key element in the Five Elements philosophy, representing the Wood element and symbolizing growth and development. In ancient beliefs, Jupiter was often regarded as the patron planet of spring, signifying growth, fertility, and harmony in nature. Its connection to the concept of trees underscores the importance of life and nature’s strength.
A NIGHT OF FISH AND DRAGON DANCE
Long Tale Fish:1.8-2m/each Qty:30 pieces
Regular Fish: 1m/each Qty:270pieces
Amid the vast expanse of the Ocean Forest, shimmering schools of flying dragon fish soar through the sky like precious jewels, creating an unforgettable, magical scene. With their sleek bodies and vibrant colors, these flying fish symbolize freedom and boundless vitality.
Gliding through white clouds, they carry the beauty and life of the ocean into the sky, forming a symphony of harmony between earth and water.
The presence of these flying fish not only adds a mystical charm to the heavens but also represents the perfect balance among nature’s elements. This breathtaking spectacle reminds viewers of the wonders and richness of life, celebrating the diversity of nature and the strength of the connections between all living beings.
In that moment, the Ocean Forest transforms into a vibrant wonder, where everything can soar, reach new heights, and merge seamlessly into one harmonious whole.
WISH AVENUE
Single Lantern:1m/each Qty:100 pieces
This year’s At Ty (Year of the Snake) theme is brought to life through brilliantly crafted hanging lanterns adorning the grand avenue. Designed with meticulous detail to reflect the year’s zodiac symbol, the lanterns showcase vibrant colors, along with graceful cloud and floral motifs, creating an atmosphere that is both elegant and inviting.
The zodiac animal appears radiantly as a warm and festive greeting, carrying with it hopes and joy for a prosperous new year. Stepping into this space, visitors are enveloped by a sense of delight and exhilaration, welcoming the new year with hearts full of warmth and confidence in a brighter future.
GREAT OCEAN BOULEVARD
The Grand Ocean Boulevard is a vast oceanic pathway filled with colorful and fascinating marine creatures, opening up endless journeys of exploration and limitless opportunities.
Conquering the Grand Ocean Route symbolizes venturing toward a new horizon where wonders await discovery.
MASTER PLAN OF
THE OCEAN INTERNATIONAL LANTERN FESTIVAL 2025
- OPENING CEREMONY OF THE OCEAN INTERNATIONAL LANTERN FESTIVAL 2025
- LION DANCE AND SPRING WELCOMING DRUM PERFORMANCE
- SPRING FAIR 2025 - BRINGING TET HOME
- OCEAN JAM STREET MUSIC FESTIVAL
- K-DANCE PARTY
- K-POP FESTIVAL & CLOSING CEREMONY
- Giang Vo Spring Fair 2025
- Shine for Life Wish Avenue
- Lion Dance and Spring Welcoming Drum Performance
- Ancient Costume Beauty Festival
- Sweet Love Festival - A Celebration of Desserts
- OCEAN FAIR
- F1. THE GATE OF AUSPICIOUSNESS
- F2. THE DIVINE GOLDEN TURTLE
- F3. Reunion Avenue
- F4. The Sakura
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F5. THE FANTASY OF
tHE GALAXY SYMPHONY WHITE DRAGON
- F6. THE LEGEND OF PRINCESS
- F7. FOREST OF ELVES & LU SHU
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F8. RETURN TO
THE MOUNTAIN AND SEA -
F9 + F10. The Miracle of
the Great Highlands - F11. SEA WONDERLAND
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F12. A NIGHT OF
FISH AND DRAGON DANCE - F13. Wish Avenue
- F14. THE DIVINE TREE
- F15. Great Ocean Boulevard