What began as a humble cultural symbol in coastal communities has exploded into a worldwide phenomenon this year. The glowing fish lantern – traditionally crafted for lunar festivals in the Chinese mainland – is now lighting up events from Paris to São Paulo, becoming 2025’s most unexpected cultural crossover.
📸 Social media fuels the trend: TikTok’s #GlowingFishChallenge has 4.2B views, while K-pop stars recently incorporated lantern motifs in music videos. Museums in London and Singapore are hosting interactive installations, blending AR tech with hand-painted designs.
"It’s about universal connection," says cultural analyst Min Rui. "The lantern’s mix of craftsmanship and environmental symbolism – many are solar-powered – resonates with Gen Z’s values."
Entrepreneurs are riding the wave: eco-conscious brands like @SeaThreads now feature fish lantern patterns, while Tokyo’s digital art collective teamLab will debut a 360-degree underwater lantern experience this December.
