The little town making nearly all of China's lanterns

In the small town of Tuntou in Hebei Province, China, nearly 80% of the country's lanterns are still made by hand. The craft has been a part of the town's culture for centuries, with residents learning to make lanterns from a young age. The town's unique production techniques allow it to fill diverse orders and produce lanterns at a lower cost than factories, making it an attractive option for customers. Despite the rise of modern production methods, Tuntou has maintained its stranglehold on the lantern market. However, the town faces a challenge as many young people are leaving to pursue urban opportunities, potentially leading to a labor shortage in the future. The town's residents take pride in their reputation as China's lantern town and continue to produce high-quality lanterns for domestic and international customers.

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