ZIGONG

Zigong Lantern Festival

Lanterns light the ancient town, All of China shines—upside down!

🏮The Lantern Festival Legend

⭐ Origins

The Zigong Lantern Festival started a long time ago, back in the Tang and Song dynasties. At that time, Zigong was rich because of salt trading. The salt merchants decorated their homes with bright lanterns during the New Year to bring good luck. Slowly, this grew into the lantern festival we see today.

🔥Stories from the Ming and Qing Times

Later, the lantern festival became very popular. Lantern makers mixed in other arts like paper‑cutting, painting, embroidery, and sculpture. Step by step, it grew into one of the biggest folk celebrations in Southwest China.

🧠Looking Back at Lantern Festivals

Q: What is "Kunpeng spreading its wings"?

A: From an ancient tale, it means: Like a giant bird taking flight, Chinese dreams reach for the sky—so bold, so bright!

Q: Guess who lives on the moon?

A: On the moon, there is a lady named Chang'e, a little jade rabbit, and a sweet osmanthus tree. It remind us of family and happiness!

Q: Have you heard of Mulan, the girl who became a soldier?

A: She put on armor, picked up a sword, and went to war to protect her family! It reminding us: "Love your family and your country. Be brave!"

Q: Want to hear a secret about New Year?

A: Boom! The firecrackers make Nian jump. Flash! The lanterns make him hide. Red! He runs away as fast as he can!

Q: Guess what—Zigong lanterns have a secret ingredient!

A: It's... SALT! Long, long ago, Zigong was super famous for making salt. Rich salt bosses and big temple parties were everywhere.

🎬Lantern Maze Unlocked: Video Guide

🌟Lanterns dim, but wonder stays, Bright in memory's golden rays.