Kaifeng, Henan province, was the ancient capital of the Song dynasty, and it has a time-honored tradition of making lanterns.

The Zhang family has been well known for lantern making for more than 200 years. At a museum owned by the family, the public can take a close look a multitude of lanterns, and hopefully create one of their own to take home.

Spring Festival is a time for Chinese people to revisit their traditions. At the Zhang Family Lantern Museum, the holiday atmosphere is already in full swing, with children learning the historic art of lantern-making.

"I want my kids to learn some traditional Chinese culture," said a parent.

"I've learned both how to make a lantern, and some of our country's traditional culture," said a student.

Zhang Juntao is the museum's owner and curator. He represents the seventh generation of the family to run the museum.

The workshop was originally set up by his ancestor Zhang Taiquan 240 years ago. But it found fame with Zhang's great-grandfather, whose lanterns were endorsed by the Qing emperor dowager Cixi.

"My great-grandfather Zhang Hong came up with the brand 'Jing Wen Shop,' to make lanterns and other home embellishments. Emperor dowager Cixi and emperor Guangxu were going back to Beijing from Xi'an when they made a stop at Kaifeng. My great-grandfather was asked to adorn the place where they were staying in Kaifeng. Cixi was so pleased with his adornment that she gave him an award. 'Jing Wen Shop' then won overnight fame, thus our family were called 'Kaifeng Lantern Zhang' by local people," Zhang Juntao said.

A lantern is made using meticulous procedures, with materials such as paper, cloth, silk, brocade, bamboo and wood.

For over two centuries, the Zhang family has maintained the same rigorous standards and traditions, while always striving to create something new.

Their creations include spinning lanterns, frame-less lanterns, and lanterns that can move and make sounds. Perhaps the most exquisite is "The One Thousand-Armed Buddha" lantern.

"We will pass on these skills and traditions to future generations. But we also want to promote the tradition and culture of lantern making across our society. That's the reason we've established this museum," Zhang Juntao said.

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