Under the glow of a full moon, the ancient village of Hongcun in east China's Anhui Province came alive on Sunday evening with a vibrant lantern parade marking the Mid-Autumn Festival.
Hundreds of glowing lanterns—handcrafted by visitors and villagers alike—wove through winding stone lanes, casting warm patterns across centuries-old homes and water canals. This year’s event blended revered traditions with fresh, interactive touches:
- Lantern-Making Workshops: Local artisans guided participants in crafting paper-and-wood lanterns, from classic motifs to modern silhouettes.
- Poetry Recitals: Under boughs of ancient camphor trees, poets and enthusiasts shared moon-themed verses in Mandarin, English and beyond.
- Cultural Storytelling: Elders recounted Hongcun’s storied history, inviting global travelers to connect with its legacy.
For young global citizens and digital nomads, Hongcun’s festival offered more than a photo opportunity: it became a live lab of sustainability and hands-on heritage. Visitors sipped locally brewed mooncake-infused tea and sampled Anhui cuisine—another reminder that small villages hold big stories.
As lanterns bobbed against the starlit sky, the event sparked cross-cultural conversations. Whether discussing eco-friendly paper sourcing or swapping verses in multiple languages, attendees left with fresh perspectives on how a village of cobblestones can illuminate a global community.
Reference(s):
Lantern parade lights up ancient Anhui village for Mid-Autumn Festival
cgtn.com
