Future 'glitters' for traditional lanterns

The industry in Zigong continues to see further growth in its overseas markets

In a lantern-making factory in Zigong, Southwest China's Sichuan province, Zhou Xian talks about a wire frame structure shaped into a human figure.

"This is the framework of a color lantern based on an image of a Terracotta Warrior," said Zhou, a vice-president of the Lantern Group, the biggest lantern-making company in the city.

Zhou then adjusted the bent parts of the wire frame, and the face and armor of the soldier. After adding colorful silk on the wire frame, the warrior lantern will be complete.

"This is a quite demanding process, and if the wires are not welded properly, you will see the defects from the outside once the light is turned on," Zhou said.

In Zigong, making colorful lanterns is a big industry, generating an annual revenue of 5 billion yuan ($747 million). The lanterns are so popular that they have even caught the attention of foreigners, with the lanterns being used for displays in the United States, Lithuania and France.

Zigong lanterns have been displayed in more than 500 cities in 74 countries and regions, attracting more than 400 million visitors, according to official figures.

"We hope to further expand our overseas market in the future," Zhou said.