An Phương

HCM CITY — Hundreds of HCM City locals are flocking to Lương Nhữ Học lantern street to celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival.

The lantern area, crossing Trần Hưng Đạo – Lương Nhữ Học – Phú Định – Nguyễn Trãi – Nguyễn Án streets in District 5, is an attractive destination among HCM City locals when it comes to the Mid-Autumn Festival.

This is where a large number of Chinese people have settled for a long time, with multiple households making lanterns for a living.

The street has nearly 100 shops selling lanterns and festive accessories and is full of people visiting to take photos, buy lanterns, walk and have fun, especially during 7pm and 9pm.

Visitors can park their vehicles at nearby designated areas, which will cost VNĐ15,000-20,000 (US$0.84) per bike. “Though it's quite expensive, I am happy to pay as it is a once-a-year experience!” Anh Khang, a resident in District 1, said.

“It is our family’s tradition to pay a visit to the colourful lantern street every year. Our kids really enjoy the activity and get to bring their new lanterns to school and play with their friends after that,” Thu Thảo, a resident in Bình Thạnh District, told Việt Nam News.

Lanterns come in different sizes, shapes and materials, ranging from VNĐ30,000 to VNĐ2.5 million per piece.

Traditional cellophane lantern, which is among the most popular ones, has a bamboo frame, wrapped in colorful cellophane paper and decorated with feathers and paper flowers.

In addition to taking photos, visitors can enjoy various street food at affordable prices as well as take part in traditional games in the area.

This year, the Mid-Autumn Festival falls on Saturday, September 10th and activities at the lantern street will come to and end. — VNS

On the days before the 15th day of the 8th month in the lunar calendar, Lương Nhữ Học lantern street becomes a pedestrian zone. — VNS Photo An Phương

Cellophane and electric lanterns are the most popular ones. — VNS Photo An Phương

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The bigger the frame, the more expensive the lantern is going to be. — VNS Photo An Phương

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Elsa, Spiderman and Minnie Mouse electric lanterns are very much sought after by children. — VNS Photo An Phương

Players would pay money for some darts, throw darts in order to pop balloons and get stuffed animals as gifts if they pop the required numbers of balloon. — VNS Photo An Phương

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Despite how hot the weather might get, locals have had a great time at the lantern street. VNS Photo An Phương