Dongguan Lanterns of Guangdong
The lantern of ages, a treasure so bright, spreading its glow over Dongguan day and night!
🏮Introduction
Dongguan’s Thousand-Corner Lantern: a castle of lights from the Song Dynasty! One thousand corners, one thousand lamps — every corner holds a little glow. Paintings,Paper cutting, embroidery — they’re all hiding inside. So big, so beautiful, everyone says: ‘This is THE lantern of a thousand years!’ It shines for family — wishing everyone together and happy. And now? It’s a superstar of Lingnan culture — the most famous lantern to visit and say: ‘Wow!’
📍Stories
Princess’s Lantern
A long, long time ago, Princess Zhao Yunu had to live in Dongguan because of wars. She missed the bright palace lanterns so much that she taught local craftsmen to make a “Thousand-Angle Lantern.” She even stitched a special ribbon with pictures of the “Twenty-Four Filial Stories,” and people called it the “Princess’s Belt.” It was like the ancient DIY version of palace lanterns—bringing royal lights into the village for everyone to enjoy!
Lanterns of Prosperity
In Dongguan’s local talk, the word for “horn” sounds just like “piece,” and “lantern” sounds like “person.” So people say the Thousand-Angle Lantern means “many lanterns, many people, many blessings!” It’s not only a pretty artwork, but also a happy wish for lots of children and a big, lively family.
A Ten-Year Lantern Show
The Thousand-Angle Lantern is super hard to make! There are no drawings or blueprints—only the masters teaching by heart. It’s so special that people build one only once every ten years, and each time it takes ten whole months. The lantern is huge, like a giant treasure, and people call it “the one and only lantern of all time.
Father and Son's Promise
Before he passed away, Master Zhang Jinpei told his son, Zhang Shuq i: “You must make the Dongguan Thousand-Angle Lantern, or no one will.” Later, Zhang Shuqi built one all by himself, keeping the magical lantern tradition alive. Thanks to him, the dragon of lights still shines for everyone today!
🎊Lantern Spectacular
A six-sided lantern with colorful dangling balls.
Each layer shouts, "I am in charge of the fun!"
Walk underneath, and luck shower down on you!
Red,pink and gold, layer so bright,
Old traditional can rock a trendy look!
Mountains and rivers on every side, red string dangling, soft and wide.
Come a liitle closer, take it slow-- let me tell you a story.
Lantern tower, growing tall.
Four dragrons guard atop it all.
红金配色、
花纹满满、
气派十足。
Golden lights shining, lanterns everywhere.
Come on,stand with me, let's take a picture right here!
The lantern is still backage,getting all dolled up.
Red dress,golden tassels swining.
Wait till it comes out--it's gonna be a showstopper!
🎬Journey into the Lantern Wonderland
Lanterns glow, culture shows!
Endless Lights, Timeless Stories
A thousand corners, a thousand lights — each one whispers: ‘May our family bloom and shine.’ And it’s so special — they only make one every TEN years! That’s a whole lot of waiting, a whole lot of love.
Next light? It’s waiting for YOU to shine!
📚Source:
Baidu Baike
China Intangible Heritage Network
Guangdong History and Culture Network
The Paper
The China Current粵語
Guangdong Provincial Cultural Center
Southern Plus