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A close-up of Xiashi lanterns. [Photo/Tide News]

Xiashi lanterns, a national intangible cultural heritage of Haining, a county-level city in Jiaxing, East China's Zhejiang province, lit up a lantern festival in Halle, Germany, in September.

Invited by Halle, Jiaxing upgraded its showcase with a dedicated space in the main venue, letting visitors experience its heritage up close.

As night fell, the intricate Xiashi lanterns illuminated the space, drawing large crowds of Halle residents and delegations from other partner cities. Many visitors expressed amazement, calling the lanterns works of art rather than simple lighting.

Xiashi lanterns date back more than 1,200 years to the Tang Dynasty (618-907) and became a royal tribute during the Song Dynasty (960-1279). The craft combines eight techniques, with its hallmark needle-piercing method producing delicate effects of light and shadow. After the exhibition, Halle residents purchased lanterns, hoping to keep Jiaxing's artistry close to home.

Jiaxing and Halle established ties in 2011 and have since engaged in cultural, educational, and trade exchanges. Lantern-themed activities have become a recurring part of this friendship, fostering mutual understanding between the two regions.