Last Updated on February 2, 2025 by Sarah McCubbin

Chinese paper lanterns are a beautiful and fun way to celebrate the Lunar New Year celebration, the Lantern Festival, or any festive occasion. These classic paper lanterns symbolize good luck and a bright future, making them a great project for kids and adults alike.
In this tutorial, we’ll walk through step-by-step instructions to create your own traditional Chinese paper lantern using simple supplies. This craft activity is a perfect way to introduce younger kids to Chinese New Year crafts while improving fine motor skills.
I’ve also included a free printable resource with a printable template for your Chinese lantern craft, making it even easier to create!

Table of Contents
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make a Chinese Lantern
Supplies Needed
Before we get started, gather the following materials:
- Red cardstock (letter size)
- Lantern Template
- Gold ribbon or washi tape for decoration
- Scissors
- Glue stick or sticky tape
- Double-sided tape (for extra hold)
- Stapler or paper clip (to hold pieces in place while assembling)
Step 1: Prepare the Paper
- Take a letter-size piece of red paper or construction paper and lay it flat.
- If using a printable template, print it on card stock for durability.
- Fold the long rectangle in half along the short edge to create a folded edge.
Step 2: Draw the Cutting Lines
- Using a ruler, draw evenly spaced straight lines from the folded edge to about an inch from the long edge (do not cut all the way).
- Make sure each strip is about wide strips for stability.
Step 3: Cut the Strips
- Carefully cut along the pencil lines, stopping before reaching the top of the paper.
- Unfold the paper and see the pieces of paper that will form the lantern’s body.
Step 4: Shape the Lantern
- Bring the short edges together to form a cylindrical shape.
- Secure the bottom edges and top of the lantern with sticky tape or a stapler.
Step 5: Add a Handle
- Cut a strip of paper about an inch wide and attach it to the top of the lantern using double-sided tape.
Step 6: Decorate Your Lantern
- Use gold ribbon, washi tape, glitter glue, or a gold paint pen to add Chinese zodiac animals, lantern riddles, or your own design.
- Attach extra decorations to the outside of the lantern to make it unique.
Step 7: Display Your Lanterns
- Hang your DIY paper lanterns around the house or outside to celebrate the end of Chinese New Year and the Spring Festival!
- Try making different shapes and larger lanterns for variety.
Conclusion
This affordable way to create colorful lanterns is a perfect way to introduce history and culture through a craft activity. Whether for Chinese New Year crafts or the Lantern Festival, these traditional lanterns bring good luck and fun to any celebration!
👉 Download your free printable TEMPLATE now and start crafting! 🎉

Sarah McCubbin and her husband and 9 kids live in Ohio. She loves talking about all kinds of education topics and is passionate about helping families find the best education options in each season! Socially awkward growing up, she loves to help families teach life skills, social skills and leadership.
More Reading:
- 10 Easy Ways to Celebrate Chinese New Year With Kids
- The 10 Best Winter Holidays to Celebrate with Kids
- 101+ Winter Activities for Kids to Learn Life Skills

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