More than 600 intricately carved watermelon lanterns are illuminating the city of Pinghu in east China's Zhejiang Province this week, as the town hosts its beloved Watermelon Lantern Festival, a tradition that spans over decades and continues to captivate new generations. The exhibition of handcrafted lanterns, many of which feature blessings, will run from Friday through Monday, and is expected to draw large crowds to historic sites like the Nanhetou Historical and Cultural Street District, where the corridor of lanterns glimmers like a gallery of miniature illuminated sculptures. "This Watermelon Lantern Festival is a true local tradition. As Pinghu locals, there's no way we can miss this. Every year, there are more people, even visitors from outside the city. The influence of the festival is growing bigger and stronger every year," said Gu Bangxin, a local resident. At Nancun classical academy-style garden near Donghu Lake, over 80 delicate lanterns, carved by local craftsmen and school fine art teachers, line the walkways. Each glowing watermelon skin embodies themes such as happy family life and a beautiful homeland. For the parents of the 80s and 90s who are now bringing their own children to the festival, the event is about more than just pretty lights; it's about tradition, nostalgia, and continuity. "For us, it's a nostalgic memory from childhood. Watching watermelon lanterns in the autumn feels as natural as watching lanterns during the Lantern Festival. It's like a memory engraved in our DNA," said Mao Yixu, another local resident. This year, a floating stage on Donghu Lake features performances such as robot dances and other live shows. "This year's lantern festival is much livelier. When I arrived, it was packed. There's even a water stage concert now, which is so cool. The lanterns look better and better each year. I hope our lives become just like these lanterns, brighter, more joyful, and more beautiful every year," said resident Shen Wenwen. Over at Anshan Xiaocui, a newly upgraded starry corridor with a laser-thread ceiling is proving to be a favorite photo spot among the crowd. SHOTLIST: Pinghu City, Zhejiang Province, east China - Sept 19-21, 2025 1. Various of handcrafted watermelon lanterns hanging along corridor, setting against backdrop of ancient tower; visitors; 2. SOUNDBITE (Chinese) Gu Bangxin, local (partially overlaid with shot 3): "This Watermelon Lantern Festival is a true local tradition. As Pinghu locals, there's no way we can miss this. Every year, there are more people, even visitors from outside the city. The influence of the festival is growing bigger every year."; [SHOT OVERLAYING SOUNDBITE] 3. Visitors; [SHOT OVERLAYING SOUNDBITE] 4. Various of visitors enjoying glowing watermelon lanterns, posing for photos; 5. SOUNDBITE (Chinese) Mao Yixu, local (partially overlaid with shot 6): "For us, it's a nostalgic memory from childhood. Watching watermelon lanterns in the autumn feels as natural as watching lanterns during the Lantern Festival. It's like a memory engraved in our DNA."; [SHOT OVERLAYING SOUNDBITE] 6. Visitors taking pictures of watermelon lanterns; [SHOT OVERLAYING SOUNDBITE] 7. Various of glowing watermelon lanterns; 8. Various of water stage featuring robot dance performance, audience; 9. SOUNDBITE (Chinese) Shen Wenwen, local (partially overlaid with shot 10): "This year's lantern festival is much livelier. When I arrived, it was packed. There's even a water stage concert now, which is so cool. The lanterns look better and better each year. I hope our lives become just like these lanterns, brighter, more joyful, and more beautiful every year."; [SHOT OVERLAYING SOUNDBITE] 10. Various of audience watching performance; [SHOT OVERLAYING SOUNDBITE] 11. Various of starry corridor with laser-thread ceiling, visitors strolling beneath ceiling, taking pictures. [Restrictions: No access Chinese mainland]