Qinhuai Lanterns of Nanjing
Lights on the river,dreams in the air-- a thousand years of glowing, flowing everywhere.
🏮Introduction
Qinhuai Lanterns? They’re like Nanjing’s very own ‘sky show’ — and guess what? It’s been going on for over a thousand years! But don’t worry, it’s not old at all. These lanterns bring together painting, paper-cutting, embroidery — all the coolest crafts — to tell stories in the most beautiful way. They light up the night to say goodbye to the old year and welcome all the good luck. No wonder people say: ‘For the best lanterns under the sky, Qinhuai takes the crown!’
📍Stories
Lantern for the Emperor
A long time ago, Emperor Liu Yu of the Southern Dynasties hung special lanterns made of cloth called ge bu in his palace. When the lights came on, the whole palace became warm and grand, like magic! People soon discovered that these lanterns were not only bright, but also let the air flow through. So, lanterns became the ancient “atmosphere makers,” turning every place into a cozy and splendid world.
Luban’s Super Lantern
Long, long ago, the master carpenter Luban made a giant lantern that was seven and a half feet tall! At that time, only the emperor’s palace could use it, while ordinary people could only watch from far away. But later, lanterns slowly left the palace and became part of festivals, so everyone could play with them and enjoy their glowing beauty together.
The Magic Bunny of the Lanterns
In Nanjing, celebrating the New Year means you must have a bunny lantern! Children run around the streets carrying their glowing bunny lanterns, and the long ears bounce up and down, making every corner shine with light. Without a bunny lantern, it feels like the New Year isn’t complete yet.
Lantern Night’s Secret Door
At the Confucius Temple in Nanjing, the Lantern Festival was super lively! Someone even designed a “magic time-travel door.” When you walked through it, it felt like stepping back a thousand years into the old lantern market. People laughed, took pictures, and played under the glowing lights, as if they were really shopping together with friends from ancient times.
Whispers in the Lanterns
The Qinhuai Lantern Festival has been shining for more than 1,700 years! Every New Year, the lantern markets, lantern scenes, and lantern shows all light up together. People in Nanjing say it’s like writing a love letter to their city. As long as the lanterns keep glowing, the stories will keep going, passing joy from one generation to the next.
🎊Lantern Spectacular
Look — the dragon lantern’s here,
and the whole place is partying like crazy!
Lotus lights burst open — Hooray! Twice the joy, twice the play.
Dragons soaring through blossoms so bright — what a happy, magical sight!
The lantern door swings open — whoosh! Here comes the fun!
People step out of the glowing light, and laughter takes flight in the beams so bright!
Dreamy lights dance by the water — whoa!
And inside the lotus tower? Surprises waiting just for you!
Lantern fair packed with people — wave after wave!
The party’s on all night, no closing time!
🎬Journey into the Lantern Wonderland
Click — lights up! Happiness just logged in!
Endless Lights, Timeless Stories
Qinhuai Lanterns: your magic portal to a thousand years ago.
Next light? Let’s shine a brand-new story together!
📚Source:
Baidu Baike
InJiangsu我苏
jssdfz.jiangsu.gov.cn
Sohu
Xinhua News Agency
Our China Story
Lichibi News