Hongbing Dai is a veteran of China’s lantern industry and is highly respected for his ability to quickly assess structural integrity and material performance. He serves as a mentor to younger engineers and artisans, passing on practical knowledge accumulated through decades of experience.

Starting from 2023, he led teams in multiple countries completing large-scale lantern creation under sub-freezing conditions while maintaining artistic quality and structural reliability. With nearly three decades of hands-on lantern experience, Hongbing has witnessed the industry’s evolution from traditional bamboo frameworks to modern steel structures while maintaining the craftsmanship and artistic sensitivity at the heart of Zigong lantern-making.

I’ve reviewed tens of thousands of drawings, but in the end I still trust my eyes and my hands. Materials may change, but the spirit of the dragon must never change.