As the 2026 Spring Festival celebrations draw to a close, communities across the Chinese mainland have revived a centuries-old tradition: the mesmerizing dance of fish and dragon lanterns. These intricate creations, crafted from bamboo strips and adorned with vibrant silk, symbolize prosperity, renewal, and the enduring spirit of Chinese cultural heritage.
This year’s lantern displays have drawn particular attention for their fusion of traditional craftsmanship and modern storytelling. Red fish lanterns, representing joy and good fortune, weave through crowds alongside green counterparts symbolizing spring’s arrival. Dragon lanterns, stretching up to 30 meters long, embody strength and unity as they snake through streets to the rhythm of drums.
Artisans in Zhejiang province, where the tradition originated during the Tang Dynasty, report increased demand from overseas investors and cultural institutions. “Each lantern tells a story of harmony between nature and human ingenuity,” explains master weaver Li Wen. “The fish represents surplus ‘yu’ in Chinese, which sounds like ‘abundance’ – a wish we carry into 2026.”
Cultural analysts note these displays gain new relevance as Asia’s soft power grows globally. The lantern festivals have attracted record numbers of international visitors this year, with many Asian diaspora families incorporating elements into Lunar New Year celebrations abroad.
