Huiguang Ancient Lantern Museum, the first lantern-themed museum in Shanxi, opened to the public free of charge on Dec 28.

The museum, located in the tourist attraction of Mengshan Mountain Buddha in Taiyuan, has a collection of more than 1,000 ancient lanterns ranging from the Warring States Period (475-221 BC) to the Republic of China era (1912-1949). The abundant collection will help with research into the development of lanterns and the culture behind these antiques over the past 2,000 years.

Some of the lanterns, such as a bronze lamp from the Han Dynasty (206 BC-AD 220) and censor-like lantern with three feet from the Southern and Northern Dynasties (AD 420-581) were on display at the opening day.

Visitors view an ancient lantern on Dec 28 at the Huiguang Ancient Lantern Museum in Taiyuan. [Photo/sxrb.com]