The lanterns are made of silk, an eco-friendly material that is lightweight, nonpolluting and resilient. They are illuminated with the latest low-power LEDs, reminiscent of candles or traditional light sources.

According to Durante, the distinctly Chinese lanterns are new and very attractive to Italians. Visitors came from the north and south of the country to see them.

Damiano Vincenzo drove over 50 minutes from Beneventoto to the park with his family.

"I really like these typical lanterns," he says.

His son Matias especially loves dragon lanterns, not only because of their wonderful colors but also because that "the dragon's head moves".

Another visitor, Matteo, went after reading about Chinese lanterns on the official website and says that the lanterns are "as beautiful as imagined".

The exhibition originated in a trip that Durante took to Zigong, where he was impressed by this traditional art and decided to bring it to his hometown.

"Next year, we might do more lanterns with Chinese characteristics and bring the exhibition to other Italian cities like Florence, or even all over the world," he says.