Fish-shaped lanterns brighten traditional festival in Shexian, China

Shexian (ANTARA) – Villagers in the Shexian area of Huangshan City, Anhui Province, eastern China, maintain a tradition of making fish-shaped lanterns, an intangible cultural heritage, during festival days to pray for a bountiful harvest and good fortune. The parade featuring fish-shaped lanterns is an important folk-cultural activity conducted during the traditional festival. Now, in addition to the lantern parade, locals are seeking to develop various new businesses related to fish-shaped lanterns, including expanding the tourism sector and producing cultural and creative goods.