Intangible Cultural Heritage Fish Lanterns are a traditional folk art form that combines regional lantern craftsmanship with local folk dances. Typically showcased during festive parades such as the Spring Festival and Lantern Festival, these lanterns symbolize an abundance of prosperity year after year and favorable weather conditions. The core techniques involve crafting a bamboo frame, applying paper or fabric coverings, adding intricate color accents, and mounting light fixtures—often accompanied by distinctive lantern dance performances.

After thorough testing, I decided to create a 3D‑printed version of the fish lantern. To simplify printing and assembly, I made slight modifications to the design while preserving the key feature: the fish’s body is designed to sway gently in response to hand movements. By installing colorful LED lights inside, the effect is both visually captivating and highly engaging. Below is an installation diagram—pay close attention to the tail assembly: first secure the tail’s base, then carefully attach it to the main body. Similarly, the fin sections should only be affixed once all other components have been fully assembled and securely attached to the body.

For the internal lighting, I opted for flickering LED strips that pulse with movement—though you’re free to choose any lighting solution that can be easily secured within the fish’s interior.