Storyline: The giant lantern of Aoyu, a legendary mythical creature with the head of a dragon and the body of a fish, has become a viral internet sensation since it staged at the 15th National Games opening ceremony on Nov 9. And its grand return at the 2025 Guangzhou International Light Festival that opened on Sunday has also fascinated many fans. The Games will conclude on Friday, while the light festival continues through Nov 26. At the National Games opening ceremony, what manipulated the Aoyu fish lantern were not drones, cranes, or holographic projections. The fish lantern with a bamboo frame, airbags, and painted designs was steered by traditional kite strings. The Aoyu fish lantern is adorned with 128 color-changing scales over its body. In Chinese mythology, the Aoyu fish represents a transitional form from fish to dragon, carrying auspicious meanings like "taking the top seat" in examinations. It also serves as a distinctive symbol in traditional Lingnan folk culture. "The design of this Aoyu fish differs somewhat from its traditional counterparts. While the dragon head and fish body are maintained, we made special modification on the tail section by incorporating phoenix-tailed carp's large tail. The fins and body draw reference from arowana fish to make it look more pretty with more vibrant Lingnan color, using the rich coloring of Lingnan school to the extreme," said Shang Tianbao, chief art designer of the 15th National Games opening ceremony and original designer of the Aoyu fish lantern. Running approximately 27 meters long with a height of 6 to 7 meters, the giant creature in the space requires ingenious creativity to achieve its graceful floating effect. The lantern making has involved traditional craft, large-scale aerial floating technology, multi-segment airbags and bionic technology to create its soaring motion, according to Shang. The random movement from helium floating added dynamic beauty to the design. Shotlist: Guangzhou City, Guangdong Province, south China - Recent: 1. Various of Aoyu fish lantern, performers preparing for rehearsal 2. Various of Aoyu fish lantern, rehearsal in progress 3. SOUNDBITE (Chinese) Shang Tianbao, designer, Aoyu fish lantern (ending with shots 4-5): "The design of this Aoyu fish differs somewhat from its traditional counterparts. While the dragon head and fish body are maintained, we made special modification on the tail section by incorporating phoenix-tailed carp's large tail. The fins and body draw reference from arowana fish to make it look more pretty with more vibrant Lingnan color, using the rich coloring of Lingnan school to the extreme." 4. Various of Aoyu fish lantern, rehearsal in progress 5. Finalized painted design of Aoyu fish lantern 6. Aoyu fish lantern, rehearsal in progress Guangzhou City, Guangdong Province, south China - Nov 4, 2025: 7. Rehearsal in progress, Aoyu fish lantern, audience Guangzhou City, Guangdong Province, south China - Nov 16, 2025: 8. Various of Aoyu fish lantern at 2025 Guangzhou International Light Festival Guangzhou City, Guangdong Province, south China - Nov 16, 2025: 9. Various of Aoyu fish lantern, Canton Tower, tourists [Restrictions: No access Chinese mainland]