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Visitors look at a giant lantern painted with blooming peony flowers at Qianmen Street in Beijing on January 15, 2025. Photo: VCG

As the Spring Festival approaches, lantern and light festivals are lighting up cities across China. A giant peony lantern was recently installed at Beijing's Qianmen area, drawing both locals and tourists eager to soak in the festive atmosphere.

Liu Shaobai, an inheritor of the intangible cultural heritage of lantern art, told the Global Times that the most distinctive feature of Beijing lanterns is their use of exquisite materials and masterful craftsmanship, which reflect the grandeur and elegance of royal style.

"Beijing lanterns were royal lanterns, which were too expensive and luxury for ordinary people," he said. "In the past, there were no formal schools for learning lantern art, and the craftsmanship was passed down entirely through generation to generation." 

Astonishing skill  

Ancient lanterns have been made into shapes of various animals from goldfish to turtles as they carry different wishes like long life and good luck.

"The tail of a goldfish lantern could move, and the turtle feet on a lantern could also move - these details carry the wisdom of our ancestors, reflecting their deep understanding of nature and life," Liu said. 

Liu learned the craft from Li Bang­hua, who, in turn, was taught by Li Dongxue. Li Dongxue was one of the creators of the iconic red lanterns on the Tian'anmen Gate Tower for the founding ceremony of the People's Republic of China on October 1, 1949. According to People's Political Consultative Daily, the focus of the Tian'anmen decoration at that time was on creating and hanging large red lanterns. Li Dongxue, the master lantern artisan, was invited to participate in their creation.

During those years, Li Dongxue, together with Li Banghua, crafted some of the most legendary lanterns, including the massive red lanterns at the Tian'anmen Gate Tower and the "Summer Palace Grand Stage," which was so large it could fit an entire house, displayed at the Drum Tower lantern festival in the 1980s.

Today, Li Banghua remains the leading inheritor of the national intangible cultural heritage of Beijing lantern art. He continues to follow the path laid out by his master. 

"Beijing lantern art is extraordinarily precise in its craftsmanship. The materials used, such as silk brocade, satin, and real gold leaf, are of the highest quality. It's not uncommon to see tassels adorned with turquoise, rubies, sapphires, and even jade," Li Banghua told the Global Times.

The 72-year-old explained that the process of crafting a lantern starts with drawing the design, followed by shaping the frame with iron wires. The following steps include welding the structure, pasting the lantern's surface, applying alum water, painting the lantern face, trimming the edges, and gilding with gold leaf. 

"Among these, the application of alum water is a technique unique to Beijing lantern-making, the detailed brushwork and rich coloring of the lantern faces are hallmark traits of this art form," he noted.

"These tasks may seem simple in theory, but in practice, they are far from easy. The young lack the necessary experience, while the elderly lack the strength," Li Banghua reflected, acknowledging the challenges in passing down this art.

Nevertheless, he maintains an optimistic spirit.

"I believe that as China builds its cultural strength, skilled artisans will have an important role to play, and Beijing lantern art will surely shine brightly in the cultural landscape." he said.

Lanterns designed by Liu Shaobai Photo: Courtesy of Liu Shaobai

Into modern life 

In 2008, Beijing's lantern art was included in the first batch of the national intangible cultural heritage expansion list. The art of lantern making is a complex craft that involves multiple fields, including design, sculpture, painting, weaving, and welding, among others.

"The meticulous techniques involved in creating these lanterns, such as color weaving, embroidery, and carving, demonstrate not only artistic mastery but also the preservation of traditional practices," Liu told the Global Times. "Its cultural role in various festivals and ceremonies, as well as its ability to adapt to modern design trends, underscores its enduring relevance in Chinese culture."

"During the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics and Paralympics, my master Li Banghua and I crafted lanterns for the iconic Bing Dwen Dwen and Shuey Rhon Rhon mascots. We also designed lanterns for events such as the Second Guqin Cultural Exhibition at Guozijian," he added.

Liu has been designing lighting fixtures for a national banquet hall these days. "Today, at many national and international events, exquisite lanterns once again capture the world's attention," he noted.

Beijing lantern art, as part of China's traditional culture, has not only thrived domestically in recent years but has also made its way onto the international stage, showcasing its unique cultural charm and innovative spirit. 

Liu shared an experience while designing lanterns for Beijing Hotel, where he had an conversation with a designer from Singapore about the color of the lanterns. The designer pointed to a dress she wore in the summer and asked him to match the color of the lanterns to the shade of her dress. 

The design represents the continuation of Chinese traditional culture while continuously integrating modern design concepts to better meet the aesthetic demands of the global market.

"In foreign countries, designers tend to favor neutral tones, rather than the bold contrasting colors such as bright red, which are more commonly preferred in traditional Chinese design," he explained.

Modern Beijing lanterns have become more versatile in form by incorporating elements like stone carvings, bronze, old wood carvings, and porcelain. Each lantern design carries rich cultural heritage and artistic wisdom. 

"The blending of modern and traditional craftsmanship has transformed them from mere decorative objects into profound cultural expressions," Li Banghua noted.