Fo Guang Shan Dong Zen Temple in Jenjarom, Selangor, is a luminous wonderland for its annual Peace and Harmony Lantern Festival marking Chinese New Year.
This year, the decor is inspired by China’s Dunhuang Mogao Caves, with ancient desert artistry recreated through massive illuminated structures.
The theme “Harmony and Coexistence, Galloping Towards Success” also pays tribute to the New Year calligraphy of Fo Guang Shan founder Venerable Master Hsing Yun.
At the centre of the grounds stands the main “Dunhuang Mogao” lantern.
Inspired by Tang Dynasty grandeur, the installation features Buddhist monk Master Tang Xuanzang flanked by galloping celestial horses, symbolising vitality and forward momentum.
Visitors strolling through the Lumbini Garden walkway are treated to an illuminated canopy inspired by the ornate caisson ceilings of the caves.
Another large-scale display depicting powerful horses leaping through a Dragon Gate draws a nod to the Longmen Grottoes.
The festival’s opening saw thousands of guests and members of the public witnessing the temple grounds transform into a sprawling spectacle of light as night fell.
Pagodas, celestial figures and mythical creatures exploded into colour and light.
Fo Guang Shan Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia and India Chief Abbess Venerable Jue Cheng said the Dunhuang concept was chosen for its solemnity and magnificence.
“When we shared our designs, some told us the lantern structures were too large and difficult to build.
“We decided that if no one could help us, we would do it ourselves,” she said, adding that the team relied on photographs, imagination and video references to recreate scenes they could not visit.
“It required tremendous effort from our monastics, volunteers and technical team.”
She said it symbolised turning the impossible into reality through courage and innovation.
Jue Cheng linked the festival theme to Master Xuanzang’s journey westward in search of Buddhist scriptures despite harsh desert conditions.
The opening featured cultural performances, lion dances and an illuminated steed appearing to soar across the sky to mark the Year of the Horse.
Representing Transport Minister Anthony Loke, Selangor investment, trade and mobility committee chairman Ng Sze Han described the festival as a major Chinese New Year attraction that had grown steadily over 22 years.
“It has become one of Malaysia’s most anticipated Chinese New Year celebrations,” he said, adding that it attracted over 500,000 visitors in 2025.
Ng said the festival’s success demonstrated how a religious institution could work closely with its surrounding community. The lantern festival is open to the public until March 3.
Meanwhile, Jue Cheng announced plans to redevelop 12.94ha of land in Jenjarom into a South-East Asian monastic education centre over the next decade.
