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Xiashi colored lanterns, a cultural gem from Haining, Jiaxing. [Photo/jiaxingren.com]

Xiashi colored lanterns from Haining, a county-level city of Jiaxing, Zhejiang province, are now lighting up the Year of the Snake Temple Fair in Malta and Sweden until Feb 13. These exquisite creations, boasting diverse shapes, are creating a vibrant Spring Festival ambiance for local enthusiasts of Chinese culture.

The inclusion of Chinese New Year on UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage List makes the Year of the Snake particularly special. With nearly 20 countries declaring it as an official holiday, Chinese New Year has become a global festival.

To further promote cultural exchange, Xiashi colored lanterns will showcase the 24 Solar Terms at an upcoming exhibition in Mexico from March 26 to 31. This exhibition will highlight the 24 Solar Terms, the ancient Chinese knowledge of dividing a year through the observation of the sun's annual motion, which was added to UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage List in 2016.

The exhibition will feature a dreamlike display of Xiashi colored lanterns, with works themed around the 24 Solar Terms. These lanterns will also showcase the unique cultural charm of Jiangnan, the region south of the Yangtze River, which has been a source of inspiration for poets and artists throughout history.

Xiashi colored lanterns gained popularity as early as the Tang Dynasty (618-907) and were used as tribute to emperors during the Southern Song Dynasty (1127-1279). The Haining Xiashi Colored Lantern Festival, a tradition held annually during Spring Festival, boasts a history spanning over 1,200 years.