If you are searching for unique places to visit in China, the usual list involves The Great Wall or The Bund. But in 2026, the real magic lies in a city known as the “Lantern Capital of the World”—Zigong.
While the origins of the Chinese Lantern Festival are rooted in ancient folklore and paper crafts, the 2025 edition redefines the industry by organizing over 200 light sets into a cohesive narrative across seven thematic zones.
The Chinese Lantern Festival, also known as the Shangyuan Festival or Lantern Festival, is one of the most representative traditional Chinese holidays, carrying over 2,000 years of history and cultural memory.
In the West, the snake is often feared. But in the East, amidst the warm glow of festival lights, the Snake is revered as the “Little Dragon” (Xiao Long). It represents regeneration and wisdom.
How do we preserve the delicate soul of a traditional chinese paper lantern while making it strong enough to withstand a coastal typhoon? This article goes beyond history to explore the manufacturing secrets that define authentic Chinese traditional lanterns today.
In this article, we will take you behind the scenes. Using the classic symbol of “Abundance”—the Goldfish—as an example, we will unveil the complete lantern making process, transforming a simple steel wire into a living, breathing piece of art.
