Yongchang Wanzi Lantern Festival
Glowing lanterns, Yongchang bright. Wanzi brings good luck each night!
🏮Legends of the Lantern Maze
⭐Origins
A long time ago, in the Ming Dynasty (the 3rd year of Hongwu), a merchant named Mr. Li from Maobola Village went to Beijing. There, he drew special lantern patterns shaped like the swastika symbol (卍), which in Chinese tradition means good fortune. When he brought these designs back home, people loved them so much that they started making their own lanterns. Over time, this became a local custom—lanterns glowing with lucky symbols, lighting up the village every Lantern Festival.
✨Legend
The lantern maze has 365 lanterns, one for each day of the year. Walking through the maze means wishing for a smooth and happy year ahead.
In the middle stands the Ao Mountain lantern, which means “to stand at the very top”. Students hoped it would bring success in the imperial exams.
- At the entrance and exit, there are dragon gates and colorful lanterns, symbols of good luck and protection.
👨🎨Inheritor
Lantern master Chen Yongqing says that making the special swastika lanterns takes many different skills. You need to know painting, paper‑cutting, calligraphy, and lantern‑making. When all these arts come together, the lanterns shine not just with light, but with the rich traditions of folk culture. Each lantern is like a glowing artwork, carrying the wisdom and creativity of the people.
🧠Lantern Maze Knowledge Flashcards
Q: What does the lantern maze look like?
A: A giant 19×19 grid = 361 poles Main pole: 8–10 meters tall with a giant lantern 360 small lanterns: one for each day of the lunar year.
Q: Did the lantern festival always happen every year?
A: Old rule: "Play 1 year, rest 3 years”1929 — Stopped (war) 1958 — Briefly returned 1978 — Came back to stay! Now it's every year — no more long naps!
Q: When can I see the lantern maze?
A: Four magical nights — from the 13th to the 16th of the lunar New Year! Don't blink, or you'll miss the glow!
Q: What's happening inside the lantern maze?
A: Folk dances galore: Yangge (happy bouncy dance) Land Boat (fake rowing on land) Lion Dance (rawr!) Dragon Dance (wiggly!) Bear Dance (stompy!)
Q: How do you make a wish at the lantern festival?
A: Walk the twisty lantern path — left, right, round and round. It's like a maze that brings good luck and chases away the bad!
🎬Lantern Maze Unlocked: Video Guide
🌟One trip through the lantern maze — and boom — wisdom and good luck, all yours!
📚Resources:
Baidupedia
The Paper
Intangible Cultural Heritage
Phoenix Television
Phoenix Television