Right line
Yangzhou lantern artisan Xu Genxiang crafted more than 300 snake-shaped lanterns in five distinct styles in celebration of the Lantern Festival in the Year of the Snake.
Xu Genxiang sets up his lantern stall. [Photo/yznews.cn]
He also devised a green snake-shaped lantern named Xiao Qing, drawing inspiration from The Legend of the White Snake, a segment featured in the 2025 CMG Spring Festival Gala, which was adapted from a classic Chinese fairy tale. This lantern was a hit among consumers, with over 100 units sold in just a week.
Green and blue snake-shaped lanterns hang on Xu Genxiang's stall. [Photo/yznews.cn]
"Among the twelve zodiac animals, snake-shaped lanterns are relatively easy to make, but each one still takes about a day to complete, including steps such as framing, pasting, painting, and decoration," Xu said.
In addition to snake lanterns, rabbit, lotus and golden fish lanterns also proved popular. "My child is taking the high school entrance exam this year, so I came here specially to buy a fish lantern, symbolizing a carp leaping over a dragon gate, hoping he will achieve good results," said Qi Yucui, a regular buyer of Xu's lanterns.
A large red rabbit-shaped lantern adorned with auspicious motifs stands in front of Xu Genxiang's stall. [Photo/yznews.cn]
The Yangzhou lantern, a Chinese traditional folk art, originated in the Han Dynasty (206 BC-AD 220) and flourished during the Ming and Qing dynasties (1368-1911). With its exquisite artistry, diverse shapes and vibrant colors, it was included in the first batch of Jiangsu provincial-level intangible cultural heritage items.
