75-year-old artisan hosts lantern show

Wang Chenghao (third, left) shows people how to make a rabbit lantern in Ningbo Songhe Park, Yuelong sub-street, Ninghai county, Ningbo on Feb 24. [Photo/cnnb.com.cn]

A 75-year-old artisan from Ninghai county, Ningbo held a lantern show on Feb 24 to celebrate the upcoming Lantern Festival, which falls on Feb 26 this year. 

The lanterns featuring 12 animals that constitute the Chinese zodiac cycle were all made by Wang Chenghao, with half a year.

Wang's interest in the traditional handicraft was born after he made his first rabbit lantern for his children. He has since been making lanterns for the past 40 years, earning him a reputation for his well-crafted rabbit lanterns.

Such is the quality of his lanterns that the demand for them in recent years has outstripped the supply. This year alone, he made more than 200 rabbit lanterns in just over two months.

"Although the custom of hanging lanterns for the festival has gradually declined, I hope that the traditional craft of making lanterns with paper will continue to be passed on and more people will appreciate the unique charm of the traditional craft."

During the show, the artisan also taught people how to make lanterns.