At festivals from the Spring Festival to Mid-Autumn, Beijing's colorful lantern art brings streets to life. Known locally as dengcai or huadeng, these lanterns have long symbolized happiness and prosperity.
Walk through Dengshikou, named for the 'Mouth of the Lantern Market,' and you'll trace a history back to the Ming and Qing dynasties, when merchants filled the streets with glowing shades of red, gold and jade.
Today, Beijing lanterns are honored as a national intangible cultural heritage of China. Their creation blends painting, paper mounting, embroidery, carving, paper-cutting and calligraphy into one luminous art form.
Liu Shaobai, a master trained under palace lantern artisan Li Banghua, is among those carrying the torch. Through workshops, public displays and new design ideas, he ensures Beijing lantern art continues to shine in the 21st century.
From traditional markets to global exhibitions, the glow of Beijing lantern art invites young travelers, art lovers and culture seekers to experience a millennia-old craft that still lights up modern nights.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
