Dragons frolic in fabulous garden setting
By Shaké Ajamian
Bellagio 24 hours daily, free. 702.693.7111
The Year of the Dragon is one that promises to be especially auspicious. The mighty dragon, embodying the traits of dominance, ambition, power and good fortune, brings that luck to the Bellagio Conservatory and Botanical Gardens’ display through March 4 in honor of the Chinese New Year. Awe-inspiring and serene, the exhibit was designed using principles of feng shui, balancing physical surroundings to bring about harmony and positive energy.
The stars of this magnificent display are two animated 25-foot blue dragons, their long bodies coiled around a cylinder of water. An iridescent red pearl, which represents prosperity, wealth and good luck, hangs above the dragons. Steam blows from their nostrils, as they swat the pearl. Two 3,000 pound stone waterfalls finish off the spectacle.
The main entrance features a 21,000-gallon pond with more than 200 koi, which symbolize strong character, perseverance and courage. In one area, two additional dragons, one representing earth and the other fire, crouch beneath oversize red silk lanterns with hanging gold tassels. In another area are two 15-foot dragons representing wood and metal. The dragons actually lunge toward the direction of the centerpiece. A zigzag bridge, designed to ward off bad spirits and negative energy, leads to a Ming Dynasty-style gazebo.
Marking a first for the Conservatory during Chinese New Year is live music. The Beijing Trio, a group of Las Vegas musicians, performs traditional folk and pop music from 5-6 p.m. daily through March 4, showcasing authentic Chinese instruments such as the pipa, ruan and erhu.
