The Beijing palace lantern has been used in national festivals and celebrations for many centuries and are popular decorations adding an oriental touch to any room or building.

Quality palace lanterns from Beijing are highly regarded for their fine craftsmanship and joyous nature. Precious, rare wood such as rosewood and sandalwood are used for the skeleton of the lantern. Silk and painted glass is added to the frame for colourful decorations. The top and bottom openings are decorated by Ruyi images which are wish-granting patterns. The bottom opening can also be decorated with hanging golden tassels. Finely detailed brush paintings can be added to the lanterns for further decorations.

Beijing palace lanterns have enjoyed a long history throughout China. The name derives from the fact that they were originally only used in the imperial palace. During late Qing Dynasty (1644-1912), Beijing palace lanterns we available for all to enjoy and could be seen throughout most villages especially at Chinese New Year. Coloured lanterns were once hung off doors to ward away evil spirits and bring luck to the household. Today, the lanterns represent traditional Chinese culture more than anything else and are still commonly found in the streets during national celebrations.

Figure lanterns are the most famous floral lanterns. The frame is made from bamboo strips or metal wires shaped into a human or animal figure. It is then covered with colourful tissue paper and a candle is inserted at the bottom of the lantern. They are a favourite among children.

The Beijing six-sided palace lantern is among the most famous lanterns in China. It has six symmetrical sides and is divided into two parts. The main frame has six short columns that have a wooden dragon or phoenix head between each slat. Coloured tassles hang from the six pointed edges. The small frame features six longer columns and six rectangular painted surfaces connecting the columns.

Another famous palace lantern is called the “huadeng” or “floral lantern”. They are hung around households and villages on special occasions such as the Lantern Festival which is held on the fifteenth day of the first lunar month. This folk tradition began during the Tang Dynasty (618-907) when the imperial court decreed lanterns should be hung across the country for three days to celebrate the festival. The number of days increased to six days during the Song Dynasty (960-1279) and ten days in the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644). In addition to lanterns, folk performances and fireworks were included in the festivities. Today, lanterns can still be seen all across China for the ten days of the Lantern Festival.

The Chinese Lantern Museum was established in 1992 after being approved by the State Cultural Relics Administrative Bureau. It is shaped like a palace lantern and features the largest collection of Beijing palace lanterns in China.

The Beijing palace lantern is affectionately recognized as a national Chinese icon and is still commonly used as decorations in many homes around the world. The lanterns add a touch of antiquity and sentimental value to any room.