Luoyang Palace Lanterns

Luoyang Palace Lanterns

Luoyang Palace Lanterns are a national intangible cultural heritage.

　　Legend has it that after Emperor Guangwu of the Eastern Han Dynasty, Liu Xiu, established Luoyang as the capital, he celebrated the reunification of the empire by adorning the palace with lanterns and hosting grand banquets to entertain his ministers. The name “palace lantern” originated from this event. Later, the craftsmanship of making palace lanterns spread widely among the people.

　　Luoyang Palace Lanterns come in a wide variety and are rich in local characteristics. Common types include the white-topped square lantern, red-silk round lantern, six-colored dragon-head lantern, revolving lantern, butterfly lantern, two-dragon fighting for the pearl lantern, arhat lantern, and more. The red-silk lantern is especially famous. It features an elegant design, is suitable for calligraphy and painting, can be easily opened and closed, and is durable. It can be used as a festive ornament to celebrate peace and prosperity, as well as for artistic promotion to highlight new trends. It also makes for a great souvenir to give to family and friends.

　　During the Qing Dynasty, Luoyang Palace Lanterns remained very popular. Li Wenlin from Luoyang’s Old Town became a master craftsman of his time. His workshop produced over ten thousand lanterns annually, which were sold both within and outside the province. When Empress Dowager Cixi passed through Luoyang, he gifted her a pair of lanterns and was awarded a bronze plaque. The Li family gained great fame and eventually became wealthy merchants.

　　Over the past 40 years, Luoyang Palace Lanterns have seen significant development, with many master craftsmen and skilled disciples emerging. The products are now exported both domestically and internationally. Even the Huairen Hall in Zhongnanhai hangs Luoyang Palace Lanterns. Currently, there are hundreds of varieties of Luoyang Palace Lanterns, and the crafting techniques have become increasingly refined. During the annual Lantern Festival, lanterns adorn the entire city, adding splashes of color to the festivities.

　　Luoyang Palace Lanterns have a long history. Legend has it that after Emperor Guangwu of the Eastern Han Dynasty, Liu Xiu, unified the country and established Luoyang as the capital, he held celebrations in the palace by decorating it with lanterns and hosting grand banquets. Each lantern displayed vibrant colors. Later, the craftsmanship of making these lanterns spread to the public, and the name “palace lantern” was born from this tradition.

　　On the fifteenth day of the first lunar month in the first year of the Daye era during the reign of Emperor Yang of the Sui Dynasty, a hundred performances were held in Luoyang, with palace lanterns displayed everywhere. People feasted, strolled, and enjoyed the illuminated city for half a month. After the Sui and Tang Dynasties, during every Lantern Festival, every household hung colorful lanterns, bright lights shone everywhere, and people carried lanterns as they wandered the streets, each one competing in beauty and brilliance. This custom spread across the nation and even reached overseas.