Lantern-making by appointment · Processions are seasonal
A village story carried in light
Fish-lantern customs have been passed down for more than six centuries in Wangmantian and other Huizhou villages. The fish form carries wishes for abundance and, in local tradition, water overcoming fire. The procession is a community celebration rooted in the first lunar month.
Bamboo, paper and a moving shoal
Artisans shape a light bamboo frame, cover it with paper and paint scales and expressive eyes. Lanterns range from small handheld pieces to large structures carried by several people. When lit at night, their warm colors and the rhythm of drums transform the old lanes.
Where the tradition lives
Wangmantian village in Shexian is a representative place to learn about the tradition. Its fish lanterns were included in Anhui’s sixth provincial intangible-cultural-heritage list in 2022. Visiting a working craft space offers a quieter way to understand the skill behind the spectacle.
Make a lantern, meet the makers
Ask us to arrange a lantern-making visit with a local host: learn about the frame, paper and painted motifs, then try a small piece where suitable. Workshop duration, teaching language, materials, age requirements and taking your work home are confirmed before booking.
Plan for the festival, not a daily show
Wangmantian’s traditional procession period is the 13th–16th days of the first lunar month. Gregorian dates change each year, and the actual programme, access and crowd controls must be confirmed locally. Outside the season, ask about craft visits or separately scheduled presentations; a full village procession is not promised.
Pair with a Huizhou journey
Combine Shexian with Huangshan, Tunxi or Huizhou’s old villages. Leave time for transfers and a relaxed overnight stay after an evening event. Respect residents, ask before portraits and keep procession routes clear; the best experience starts with being a considerate guest.
