Lantern Industry Illuminates Path to Prosperity for Villagers

In the heart of Zhuanglang County, northwest China's Gansu Province, a lantern cultural-industry base has become a beacon of prosperity for villagers, showcasing a dazzling array of lanterns in various colors and shapes.

Situated in Shuiluo Township, this cultural-industry base has experienced rapid development, playing a vital role in elevating the income levels of local residents. The craft of making palace lanterns, with a history spanning over a millennium, has found a new life in the modern era.

A pivotal figure in this resurgence is Song Xiaoxia, a villager from Diaogou Village. In 2017, Song, leveraging her e-commerce expertise, noticed a surge in demand for red lanterns before the Chinese Lunar New Year. Recognizing the simplicity and flexibility of lantern-making, she initiated a venture, providing employment opportunities for fellow villagers.

"Our rich tradition of making palace lanterns, coupled with the skills of our villagers, allows us to create exceptional products," Song emphasized.

By 2018, Song had established a workshop with the local government's support and later founded a company. In 2020, the company's output value reached 4 million yuan, generating over 100 jobs for the local community. The lantern cultural-industry base has now expanded into large-scale production, offering bespoke designs through customized services.

In the workshops, villagers like Meng Jinlong and Zhang Yinjuan contribute to specialized tasks. Meng oversees the injection-molding workshop, utilizing recycled discarded plastic for lantern bases. Zhang, drawing lines on about 400 lanterns daily, attests to the factory providing financial support for household expenses, with flexible working hours accommodating family responsibilities.

Following Song's success, over 20 lantern factories have emerged in Zhuanglang County, collectively providing around 1,000 jobs and contributing to an average income surpassing 20,000 yuan per person.

For more on this illuminating story:

Across China: Lantern industry illuminates path to prosperity for villagers

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