A statue of Haishen Niangniang, a goddess of the sea, at Wangjia Island, Dalian. [Photo by Ding Wangjing/China Daily]

Some fishermen had bigger ideas: They went to carpenters to make scale models of their own ships－with hull, cabin, rudder, lights and red lanterns powered by batteries or even engines.

Some luxury models could cost thousands of yuan.

But Xu believes the original and traditional craft is easier to pass on from generation to generation.

He learned to make sea lamps from his father and grandfather.

"The sea lamps carry the good wishes of island habitants. As long as the island exists, this craft will never be lost," Xu says firmly.

IF YOU GO

A flight between Beijing and Dalian takes 55 minutes. The fastest train ride between the two cities takes about six hours. Be sure to choose your destination as Dalian Station instead of Dalian North Station, which is about 15 km away from downtown.

A bus from Dalian to Zhuanghe takes two hours and costs 36 yuan. The ship from Zhuanghe to Haiwangjiudao takes 1 hour and costs 36 yuan.

Haiwangjiudao, or Wangjia township, boasts beautiful island scenery. The beaches and wide variety of seafood are a big draw for local vacationers during the summer. Shicheng Island nearby is popular among bird-watchers. It is one of the few places in the country to see the endangered black-faced spoonbills.