Chinese Lantern, also called Hua Deng, is a popular traditional decorative handicraft in China. In history, the Lantern Festival is the most important festival when the display of fireworks and a sea of lanterns can be seen. Chinese Lantern, an art of light and color, has an unique aesthetic value.

Beijing Lantern is popular in Beijing. According to the usage, it can be divided into chandelier, seat lamp, wall lamp and hand lantern. According to materials, there are serval types: gauze lantern, palace lantern, trotting horse lamp, three-dimensional animal lamp, metal lantern and filament lantern. To finish a Beijing lantern, a wide range of skills and techniques need to be mastered which include Colored Tying, pasting, knotting, embroidery, sculpturing, paper cutting, writing, and painting.

In the past, Beijing's traditional lantern events are mainly held at the Lantern Festival. Now the lanterns can be seen at ceremonies, wedding birthdays other festivals. Beijing Lantern has been standing as the symbol of happiness and auspiciousness to convey people’s desire for a happier life and brighter future.

Since the 1950s, only two types of Beijing Lantern, palace lantern and red gauze lantern, have been left while other types of Beijing Lantern and skills have been lost during its development. Due to declining traditional art and the introduction of foreign culture, as well as the lack of successors, Beijing Lantern is in urgent need of rescue and protection.

Translator: ZHANG Ruochen

Reviewer: YE Lijuan