Traditional Chinese lanterns glowing along Jalan Yap Kwan Seng

A row of traditional Chinese-style lanterns glows warmly against the darkness along Jalan Yap Kwan Seng in central Kuala Lumpur. Their rounded shapes, orange-red surfaces and dangling green tassels create a striking contrast with the surrounding trees and faintly visible buildings. Suspended at different distances, the lanterns form a gentle trail of light through the night.

Chinese lantern-making has a history stretching back approximately 2,000 years to the Han dynasty. Traditional lanterns were commonly constructed using lightweight bamboo or wooden frames covered with paper or silk, with candles or oil lamps providing illumination. Modern versions often use metal or plastic supports and electric lighting while preserving the familiar shapes and decorative details.

Red lanterns traditionally symbolise good fortune, happiness and prosperity. They are particularly associated with Chinese New Year and the Lantern Festival, which marks the fifteenth day of the lunar new year, although they are also used during other celebrations and as everyday decorations. In Malaysia, where Chinese cultural traditions form an important part of the country's multicultural heritage, these lanterns bring a centuries-old decorative practice into the modern urban landscape.