Quanzhou festive lanterns [Photo provided to enquanzhou.com]

Quanzhou festive lanterns originated in the Tang Dynasty (618-907), and flourished in the Song (960-1279) and Yuan (1271-1368) dynasties.

Quanzhou lanterns can be divided into three categories – traditional lantern, paper-cutting lantern and perforated boneless lantern.

Quanzhou lanterns have become widely popular after exhibitions in many countries, such as the Philippines, Singapore, Canada and the United States.

Many overseas Chinese businessmen order Quanzhou lanterns to celebrate the Lantern Festival or Mid-Autumn Festival every year.

Quanzhou festive lanterns were included in the first batch of national intangible cultural heritage list in 2006.