A hóng dēng long (red lantern) is a traditional Chinese lantern, typically round or oval, made of paper or silk stretched over a bamboo or wire frame, and colored bright red. The word combines three characters: hóng (red), symbolizing luck and celebration; dēng (lamp or light source); and lóng (cage or enclosure), referring to the structural frame that holds the light — historically candles or oil lamps, now often electric bulbs.

Red lanterns are iconic symbols of Chinese culture, especially during festivals like Spring Festival and Mid-Autumn Festival. They appear in homes, streets, temples, and restaurants, both in China and overseas Chinatowns. Beyond decoration, they carry cultural weight — representing prosperity, happiness, and warding off evil spirits. While modern versions may vary in size and material, the classic red color and lantern shape remain essential to their identity and meaning.