Located in the center of Shanxi Province, Le'an County is known nationwide for its manual-made flower lanterns. The Le'an flower lantern was originated in the late Ming and early Qing dynasties, and has enjoyed a history of over 300 years. Every year during the Spring Festival, the shops along the streets are always hanging with lanterns of various shapes and colors, so much so that Le'an has gradually been reputed as "the Land of Lanterns".
The "lotus flower lantern featuring Kwan-yin sending child" is a special product of Le'an. Commonly seen in the local place, it carries the meaning of "praying for a child and blessings". Taking bamboo strips, iron wire, silk, chiffon and colorful fringes as the main components, the lantern will be beautified with diversified paper-cuts and patterns. Beautiful in design and bright in color, the lantern looks like a lotus flower in full bloom. The lantern is purely made by hands, and nearly a hundred procedures are required to complete a lantern. It is no strange that the lantern should be the cream of traditional Chinese handicrafts.
