Lanterns, Festive Symbols of Chinese Culture Explore in China - People & Culture

Lanterns in China have a long history and they have become synonymous with Chinese culture. Even today, they are still made and enjoyed by the Chinese worldwide. They were used as a means of artistic expression, in terms of functionality, design and decoration. Chinese streets in both cities and towns are decorated with red lanterns during festivals, especially Chinese Lunar New Year, Mid-Autumn Festival and Lantern Festival.

During the Lantern Festival, the displaying of many lanterns is still a common sight on the 15th day of the first lunar month throughout China. In other Chinese festivities, the kongming lanterns can be seen floating high into the sky during festivities. Lanterns are the central theme of the Seoul Lantern Festival, too!

Photo taken on Sept. 11, 2015 shows lanterns in a film studio in northwest China's Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region. [Photo:Xinhua]

Red lanterns are hung on a house in Heijing ancient town in Lufeng County, southwest China's Yunnan Province, Jan. 31, 2015. [Photo:Xinhua]

Red lanterns are hung on buildings beside a river in Zhenyuan ancient city, southwest China's Guizhou Province, July 26, 2012. [Photo:Xinhua]

The courtyard of Family Qiao is decorated with red lanterns in Qixian County, north China's Shanxi Province, Nov. 4, 2011. [Photo:Xinhua]

Lanterns are lit in Hongcun Village, east China's Anhui Province, April 22, 2013. [Photo:Xinhua]

Photo taken on Sept. 11, 2015 shows lanterns in a film studio in northwest China's Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region. [Photo:Xinhua]

Boats are decorated with lanterns in Xitang ancient township, east China's Zhejiang Province, April 28, 2011. [Photo:Xinhua]

Photo taken on April 16, 2010 shows lanterns hung on houses beside a river in Jiaxing City, east China's Zhejiang Province. [Photo:Xinhua]