Lantern-makers aim to light up holiday happiness

A worker places lanterns in order on Sunday at Fenghuang lantern factory in the Jinzhong economic development zone in Danzhai county of Qiandongnan Miao and Dong autonomous prefecture in Guizhou province. [Photo by Huang Xiaohai/For chinadaily.com.cn]

As the New Year approaches, workers are busy making lanterns to cater growing demand at factories in Danzhai county in Qiandongnan Miao and Dong autonomous prefecture in Guizhou province.

Lan Baifeng, manager of Fenghuang lantern workshop, said she currently has more than 30,000 lanterns in stock but orders always grow with the approach of the New Year and Spring Festival holidays.

Lan hired some part-time workers, many of whom are women. They can earn more than 80 yuan ($12) by finishing 200 lanterns a day — extra money for the family when they are at home.

Hundreds of red lanterns, the joyous symbols of Chinese reunions, are placed in neat, orderly rows at the factory, waiting to help people celebrate a bright and happy new year.

Wang Jin in Guiyang contributed to this story.