Nanjing's Confucius Temple area is buzzing with vibrant energy as artisans struggle to keep up with soaring demand for handmade lanterns ahead of the February 12 Lantern Festival. Over 50,000 visitors flooded the historic district this weekend alone, drawn by intricate designs blending centuries-old craftsmanship with modern creativity.
Local workshops report a 210% year-on-year increase in orders, fueled by renewed interest in traditional Chinese cultural practices among younger generations. \"Each lantern tells a story through its patterns – from mythical creatures to AI-inspired geometric designs\", explains master artisan Li Wei, whose family has crafted lanterns for eight generations.
The phenomenon has attracted international attention, with social media mentions tripling globally in the past week. Travel influencers highlight the festival's sustainable ethos, with bamboo-and-silk lanterns offering eco-friendly alternatives to plastic decor.
Reference(s):
Handmade lanterns in great demand in Nanjing as festival draws near
cgtn.com
