For generations, Zhuanghe’s coastal fishermen have set sea lanterns adrift on the evening of the 13th day of the first lunar month. Frames of sorghum stalks are covered with coloured paper, a candle lit inside, and wishes written on the lamp — ‘plain sailing,’ ‘a full catch,’ ‘safe return.’ As darkness falls, crowds gather on the shore, set their lanterns gently on the water and watch them drift toward the horizon, dots of light echoing the stars. The rite honours the Goddess of the Sea and asks the gods of the deep for a safe, bountiful year. Now an intangible heritage of Zhuanghe, the festival lights up Shicheng, Hei and Wangjia islands every year — thousands of lamps on the sea, a sight never forgotten.