The 24th Mawei-Matsu Lantern Festival, a national-level intangible cultural heritage event, opened recently in Fuzhou, the capital of East China's Fujian province. Running till March 8, the 33-day celebration serves as a luminous bridge connecting Fuzhou's Mawei district and the Taiwan-administered Matsu island.

Spanning over 50,000 square meters, the festival features about 100 sets of exquisitely crafted lanterns, vividly depicting the shared folk customs and deep historical ties between the two sides of the Taiwan Strait.

The 24th Mawei-Matsu Lantern Festival opens in Fuzhou, the capital of East China's Fujian province. [Photo by Wang Yi/for chinadaily.com.cn]

With the upcoming Year of the Horse, the central theme of this year's exhibition is centered on the animal, with the pronunciation of the Chinese character "ma", meaning the horse, reflecting both Mawei and Matsu districts.

On display are lantern installations of leaping horses, symbolizing progress and vitality. Other creative installations feature Fujian's signature pineapples and grapes nestled alongside Taiwan's moth orchids, while a glowing replica of Mawei's Luoxing Tower faces Taipei's 101 skyscraper across a symbolic sea.

The 24th Mawei-Matsu Lantern Festival opens in Fuzhou, the capital of East China's Fujian province. [Photo by Wang Yi/for chinadaily.com.cn]

Beyond the visual spectacle, visitors can enjoy snacks in the market with flavors from Fujian and Taiwan, including Fuzhou fish balls, Taiwan oyster omelets, and milk tea.

The festival originates from a long-held folk custom between Mawei and Matsu, with many families sharing the same roots and origins. A cherished tradition of the event is the mutual gifting of lanterns and visits to each side.

Before the event, Mawei gifted 28 sets of festive lanterns to Matsu to illuminate their local celebrations.