Seeing lanterns originated from Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty. At that time, the maid-in-waiting Yuanxiao missed her parents at home after the first month, and it was strictly forbidden in the palace. How can she go out to meet? Dong Fangshuo, who was resourceful, expressed deep sympathy after learning about it, so he designed it to satisfy them. First, rumors were spread that Vulcan would send personnel to burn Chang 'an, and the city palace was in a panic.

Later, he offered a plan to Emperor Wu, and all the court personnel went out to avoid disaster on the fifteenth night. Red lights are hung on the streets and courtyard doors in the city, just like the fire in the city, in order to deceive Vulcan who is watching and monitoring in the sky. Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty promised that the ladies-in-waiting would take the opportunity to meet their families during the Lantern Festival.

After a night of tossing, Chang 'an was safe and sound. Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty also led the queen, imperial concubine and maid-in-waiting to watch lanterns in casual clothes. When they first came, they were very lively and interesting, so they ordered to put lanterns on the fifteenth day of the first month every year.