Happy Lunar New Year! The Bellagio Botanical Gardens and Conservatory in Las Vegas is once again geared up for another gorgeous display, this time for the Lunar New Year. 2024 is the Year of the Dragon which the Bellagio has brought to life with “Infinite Prosperity: The Year of the Dragon.”
The exhibit is made of thousands of fresh and preserved flowers, 12,000 plants, 1,800 I-Ching coins, 800 bamboo plants, 24 cherry blossom trees, and nine dragon medallions. Each element of the display was carefully selected, holding specific symbolism in Asian cultures.
The Lunar New Year, also known as Chinese New Year is one of the most important holidays in China, but is celebrated by different cultures all over the world. In Asian countries, it is celebrated beginning at the new moon between January 21st and February 20th and concludes at the following full moon. This marks the transition between the zodiac signs, with each year bearing the characteristics represented by its Chinese zodiac.
The exhibit uses colorful floral arrangements and vibrant décor to pay homage to the Year of the Dragon. The display draws inspiration from the rich colors and styles of Asian architecture, folklore and culture, with each element meticulously designed to symbolize the promise of prosperity this new year.
On the North bed is a beautiful display of yellow, pink, and red flowers, creating a bed for Caishen, the Chinese God of Wealth. He’s surrounded by shiny gold money trees that have 88 I-Chang coins each, a nod to lucky number eight.
In the East bed, a traditional Chinese pagoda sits under the cover of cherry blossom trees. A traditional red Chinese garden bridge leads the way to the pagoda, with big golden dragons on either side.
The South Bed showcases children doing a dragon dance under a 44-foot dragon puppet to ward off evil spirits. There is also another red bridge over a pond, with lions standing guard at each end to ensure a safe passage for the new Lunar Year.
On the main West bed is a stunning 30-foot replica of the Temple of Six Banyan Trees, a Buddhist temple in Guangzhou, China. Named “The Garden Table” this temple replica offers authentic regional dishes from Noodles, Bellagio’s Pan-Asian restaurant. Each meal is inspired by a season of the year. They offer reservations for lunch and dinner, with a maximum of 6 guests for lunch and 4 for dinner.
Beside the Temple is a huge golden dragon swooping down from the suspended fluffy clouds in the sky. The dragon, made of 8,000 handmade scales, is suspended in the air over a small pond sourced from the rocky mountainous waterfall sitting behind it. The exhibit used real rain water and recycled water for the waterfall and ponds. The dragon holds a pearl in its claws, believed to bring luck, prosperity, health, and strength.
“Infinite Prosperity: The Year of the Dragon” is open for viewing now through March 2nd. You can visit for free, 24 hours a day. This exhibit is not something you want to miss, especially because the next Year of the Dragon won’t be for another 12 years.
Words by Emily Cigan @emily.cigan and Amy Harris @thetraveladdictig