In the heart of Huizhou's Shexian County in Anhui Province, a luminous tradition has been captivating hearts for over six centuries: exquisitely crafted fish-shaped lanterns.
Every Chinese New Year, villages like Wangmantian and Zhanqi transform into vibrant spectacles, with the night sky shimmering with these aquatic marvels. For the locals, these lanterns symbolize more than just beauty; they embody blessings and are cherished emblems of Huizhou culture.
Today, a new generation is breathing fresh life into this ancient practice. Passionate inheritors like Pan Min and Wang Chengfeng are blending traditional craftsmanship with modern aesthetics, reshaping these lanterns into cultural and creative products that are gaining global attention. Their innovative approach ensures that the fish-shaped lantern tradition not only thrives in its mountainous heartland but also swims into the deep blue ocean of worldwide recognition.
Join us on June 17 as CGTN journeys to Shexian County to showcase this uniquely glamorous and ancient fish-shaped lantern tradition!
Reference(s):
The fish-shaped lanterns that have been 'swimming' for 600 years
cgtn.com
