The bustle and prosperity of Quanzhou during Lantern Festival. [Photo/fujian-szwhg.chaoxing.com]

The Lantern Festival celebration is a prominent custom in Quanzhou city, Fujian province. It has been recognized as a representative project of national intangible cultural heritage under the category of folk customs.

Historical records trace the origins of this tradition back to the Tang Dynasty in 880 AD when Fu Shi established a palace in Quanzhou. Following the lantern ceremony customs from the capital Chang'an, Fu continued the lantern celebration ritual, which gradually evolved into a cherished tradition.

The Lantern Festival in Quanzhou encompasses various activities such as hanging lanterns, gifting lanterns, admiring lanterns, lighting lanterns, and lantern parade. During the festival, Families adorn their homes with decorative lanterns and people of all ages gather to stroll the streets, enjoy in the festive atmosphere, and partake in lantern-related games and activities.

This tradition also features cultural performances including traditional folk displays, lantern displays, and Southern Shaolin martial arts demonstrations.

Led by the government, the event fosters community bonding, encourages widespread participation, and attracts large crowds of spectators, creating a vibrant and inclusive atmosphere. In recent years, Quanzhou has expanded its Lantern Festival celebrations to include a various activities, attracting visitors from various regions, such as Hong Kong, Macao, Taiwan, and Southeast Asia.