The Pujiang bench dragon dance team. [Photo/tidenews.com.cn]
The "Er Yue Er" Old Dragon Head National Dragon Dance Festival began in Qinhuangdao, Hebei province on March 1. Jinhua's Pujiang bench dragon dance made an impressive appearance at the Shanhaiguan section of the Great Wall built during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), and performed alongside dragon dance teams from Beijing, Hebei, Sichuan, and other regions.
The Pujiang bench dragon dance is a nationally recognized intangible cultural heritage item with over 1,300 years of history. Originating from Luxi village, Zhengzhai town, Pujiang county, this dragon lantern features 55 bench sections and characters from Journey to the West and The Eight Immortals.
Controlled by skilled performers, the giant dragon ascended the Great Wall steps, performing under Chenghai Tower. Its movements resembled a water dragon emerging from the sea. The villagers' efforts showed the dragon's elegance, that created an unforgettable experience.
Following this performance, dragon lanterns from 15 provinces, including Guangdong, Henan, Sichuan, and Liaoning, were presented. The event highlighted intangible heritage and a united Chinese culture.
Besides the dragon dances, the festival featured an exhibition area displaying heritage works from 15 provinces. The combination of powerful dragon dances, exquisite craftsmanship, traditional food, and rich tourist experiences allowed visitors to appreciate the grandeur of the Great Wall and the beauty of intangible heritage.
