Diplomats and spouses experience Zhejiang culture

Envoys to China and their spouses from 11 countries including North Macedonia, Argentina, Sri Lanka, and Egypt, visited Luniao town, Hangzhou, Zhejiang province, on Dec 29 and 30.

During the trip, guests experienced local intangible cultural heritage like Aoyu fish lantern craftsmanship, and traditions for the upcoming Spring Festival including writing couplets and making rice cakes.

A local legend in Luniao town is that during the Three Kingdoms (220-280) period, General Ling Tong helped the Emperor Sun Quan escape the scene of defeat during a battle. Outnumbered by the enemy, just as Ling was about to jump into the river out of loyalty, a giant fish carried him away and saved him.

The legend has since become celebrated by the making of lanterns in the shape of Aoyu, a mythical fish with the head of a dragon, and dancing to pray for good harvests and prosperity during Spring and Lantern festivals. Aoyu lanterns are now recognized as a form of provincial-level intangible cultural heritage.