An 800-year-old traditional Chinese folk art has left a deep and lasting impression on a visiting Russian digital influencer, shining a global spotlight on one of Anhui province’s most cherished intangible cultural treasures. Angelika Romanovskaia, a Russian content creator traveling with a group of international influencers through East China’s Anhui, recently explored Shexian County in Huangshan and encountered the iconic Zhanqi fish lantern tradition that has been passed down through generations of local villagers.
During her visit to Zhanqi Village, Romanovskaia did not just observe the celebrated craft from a distance — she stepped into the workshop to try her hand at the intricate, age-old lantern-making process, learning the techniques that artisans have refined over hundreds of years. She later joined local performers in the traditional fish lantern dance, a core part of the cultural practice that is held during festivals to bring good fortune and prosperity to the community.
What struck the Russian influencer most was the unexpected scale of the full-size ceremonial fish lanterns. She described the handcrafted works as surprisingly sturdy in structure while boasting incredible, intricate beauty that cannot be replicated by mass-produced decorations. Reflecting on her experience, Romanovskaia emphasized the urgent need for greater collective efforts to protect and promote this unique cultural heritage, which has survived for more than eight centuries to remain a vibrant part of local life today.
The visit of international influencers to Anhui’s cultural sites is part of broader efforts to share lesser-known Chinese traditional crafts with global audiences, helping to cross cultural boundaries and build global appreciation for intangible cultural heritage from around the world.