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The Mawei-Matsu Lantern Festival, a dazzling celebration bridging the Chinese mainland and the Taiwan region, has officially lit up southeast China's Fujian Province! Recognized as the first national intangible cultural heritage (ICH) linking both sides of the Taiwan Strait, this year’s edition blends tradition with modern flair, featuring thousands of handcrafted lanterns symbolizing shared Lunar New Year joy.
Now in its 23rd year, the festival has expanded to a record 53 days, coinciding with its debut as a \"world ICH edition\" during the Spring Festival. Visitors can marvel at displays inspired by global intangible heritage sites, attend cultural workshops, and even spot lanterns shaped like viral pop-culture icons—because who said ancient traditions can’t have a Gen-Z twist?
\"This festival isn’t just about lights—it’s about connection,\" said a local organizer. \"Whether you’re from Fujian, the island of Taiwan, or halfway across the world, these lanterns remind us that culture has no borders.\"
