Gansu array shines light on lantern culture

Tradition introduced from Yellow River dates back centuries, said to bring good harvest, greater luck

LANZHOU — Clad in gold armor with a lantern in his hand, 51-year-old Jiao Wenjie stepped onto the stage like a proud soldier from ancient China.

He was there to light the meandering array of lanterns adorning his hometown in Gansu province during a traditional party on Lantern Festival Eve, which fell on a Sunday this year.

As he and other performers intoned prayers for a blessed new year, the golden lanterns formed the shape of a large, square maze. Gongs and drums were beaten, and tourists were allowed to file into the lantern maze to guess the riddles it contained.