Weifang's festive lanterns

Tradition has it that the dragon of Weifang refuses to be confined to paintings or bound to the ground—it has always aspired to soar into a bigger world.

At the 2024 Paris Olympics, France welcomed a Chinese dragon descending from the sky. This magnificent creation hails from Weifang, Shandong, crafted by Wang Yongxun, a national-level inheritor of intangible cultural heritage, and his team. By blending traditional lantern-making with kite craftsmanship, they brought this soaring dragon to life.

Weifang's lantern tradition spans centuries, with a rich variety of styles and sizes. Among handheld lanterns, the "laomao" lantern remains a childhood favorite. But for a truly breathtaking sight, take a look at these intricately designed giant lanterns, where artisans transform mythical tales into glowing masterpieces.

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[Video/chinadaily.com.cn]

This Lantern Festival, Weifang invites you to bask in the beauty of these luminous creations and celebrate the season together.