A fish lantern parade in Shexian county's Wangmantian village. [Photo/Huangshan Daily]

The Shexian fish lantern, an intangible cultural heritage of Huangshan, Anhui province, will greet the Spring Festival overseas with its first performance in Florence, Italy, on Feb 8.

As part of the local Chinese New Year festivities, over 500 luminous fish-shaped balloon lanterns will parade through Piazza Dante, offering a spectacular new highlight alongside Chinese lion dances and martial arts. An interactive workshop will invite the public to experience crafting these lanterns.

Originating from Huangshan's Shexian county, this tradition includes the grand Wangmantian fish lanterns, with a history of over 600 years, and the agile Zhanqi fish lanterns, dating back more than 800 years. Both symbolize good fortune and peace.

This tour, organized by Huangshan's Shexian county in cooperation with local Italian-Chinese groups, is part of the second session of "Fu Man Xin Chun" (Blessings Fill the Spring) celebration in Florence. It will showcase the region's vibrant intangible culture, bringing a glow of Huangshan's tradition to a global stage.

The scene of the first session of "Fu Man Xin Chun" (Blessings Fill the Spring) celebration in Florence. [Photo/WeChat account: shexianfabu]