Different lanterns made by Wang Xiaobo. [Photo/Nantong Daily]

As the Lantern Festival, which falls on Feb 5 this year, is approaching, Wang Xiaobo, an inheritor of Rugao lantern making techniques, entered the busiest time of the year.

His 100-square-meter studio is now packed with all kinds of lanterns. "2023 is the year of the rabbit and therefore, my main products are rabbit-shaped lanterns," said Wang, "I also have made lanterns of other zodiac animals."

Wang noted that his lanterns are updated each year to satisfy the higher demand of customers.

Rabbit-shaped lanterns made by Wang Xiaobo. [Photo/Nantong Daily]

Unlike the lanterns made of paper in the previous time, Wang's lanterns are made of clothing and are more durable and popular among customers.

Wang said that patience is important for a lantern maker. For example, making a newly-designed lantern requires at least one week, including design, framework making, cutting, and pasting.

With traditional techniques and excellent quality, the lanterns made by Wang are favored by the market. In addition to participation in the annual Nanjing Lantern Show, Wang's lanterns are sold to other provinces and regions such as Zhejiang, Taiwan, and Hong Kong.

Last year, his lanterns started being sold to the Chinese communities in the United States and Canada.