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In Xincheng town, Xiuzhou district, Jiaxing, the traditional craft of Zhiliangsan Lantern (paper umbrella lantern) is being preserved by Xu Huanhuan, an inheritor of this provincial intangible cultural heritage.

Xu Huanhuan draws an ancient woman. [Photo/Tide News]

At 84, Xu continues to draw intricate designs of ancient women on the umbrella's surface, while her husband, Huang Guansheng, carefully creates tiny pinholes to let the light shine through, producing a stunning effect.

The art of paper umbrella lanterns, originating from the Xincheng Aoshan Lantern Festival, dates back to 1925. Traditionally, these lanterns were used to lead worshippers around the old town during temple fairs. Due to their intricate craftsmanship, they were only displayed at large festivals.

A paper umbrella lantern. [Photo/Tide News]

However, the craft was nearly lost before a group in Xincheng, including Xu, restored it over a decade ago. Without written records, they spent years studying the artifacts, combining historical research with their own painting and paper-cutting expertise.

A bird panel on a paper umbrella lantern. [Photo/Tide News]

Xu and Huang recently spent six months crafting a lantern, with the process involving nearly 20 steps, from bamboo frame construction to painting and stitching tiny holes. Despite the difficulty, the couple chose to showcase the finished lantern and later donated it to the Xiuzhou Intangible Cultural Heritage Museum, ensuring more people could experience this unique art form.

Xu continues to teach this skill at local schools, passing on the tradition to younger generations.