As the Lunar New Year approaches, coastal workshops in Zhejiang Province buzz with creativity. Artisans across Xiangshan County are crafting intricate fish lanterns 🐠 – glowing symbols of abundance and renewal rooted in a 2,000-year-old cultural legacy.
These shimmering creations bring to life the Chinese proverb \"nian nian you yu\" (surplus year after year), originally expressing fishermen's hopes for safe voyages and plentiful catches. Today, they dance through streets as emblems of universal prosperity and cultural continuity.
At 80, master craftsman Bao Jiqin remains the heartbeat of this tradition. 🧑🎨 \"Each lantern tells our story,\" says the Shipu Town native, whose childhood sketches evolved into spectacular marine-themed designs. Since the 1990s Fishing Season Festival launched, Bao's workshop has produced everything from golden croakers to whimsical cuttlefish lanterns – all meticulously researched through marine biology books.
The magic peaks on January's 14th lunar day when Xiangshan transforms into a luminous underwater kingdom 🌊. Families parade their handmade lanterns through cobblestone streets, creating ripples of light that honor maritime heritage while welcoming new beginnings.
\"This isn't just decoration – it's our ancestors' dreams made visible,\" explains local student Lin Wei, 19, who joins the procession yearly. As global interest grows, these radiant fish now symbolise both cultural preservation and China's creative spirit swimming boldly into the future. 🐟✨
