CHONGQING (CQNEWS) -- “Let’s go through the entire process again.” Recently, at Tongliang District Cultural Center, Wang Yue, a member of the National Dragon Dance Team, was rehearsing with her teammates. The golden Tongliang Dragon gracefully followed the dragon ball, showing the breathtaking skillful techniques of the dragon dancers.

“The prestigious reputation of Tongliang Dragon Dance has been hard-earned, and diligent practice is very important. Although there is no plan for overseas performances in the near future, we cannot neglect our practice,” Wang Yue said with a smile.

In Tongliang, Dragon Dance is a common sight during every festival and it is well-known to all. As Chongqing opens up more to the world, Tongliang Dragon Dance has been traveling abroad in recent years, witnessing the ever-expanding “circle of dragon friends” of China.

Perform Dragon Dance abroad

Foreign audiences competed for photos, and cultural products sell well

For the 38-year-old Wang Yue, performing abroad has become routine.

Last June, she and her team traveled to Bulgaria to participate in the local First Dragon Boat Cultural Festival and other cultural exchange activities, which was the first time that Tongliang Dragon Dance “flew” to Bulgaria, showcasing the brilliance of a national intangible cultural heritage as “a cultural exchange ambassador”.

“I am responsible for guiding the direction and movements of the dragon by handling the dragon ball,” said Wang Yue. This job may seem simple, but doing it well is very challenging. It requires constant attention to the positions of the dragon dancers, observation of the dragon’s posture, and awareness of the surroundings to facilitate interaction between the dragon and the audiences.”

“The Bulgarians are very fond of Tongliang Dragon Dance, showing no sense of unfamiliarity despite it being their first time seeing a Chinese dragon,” Wang Yue explained. Foreign audiences were highly enthusiastic about interacting, and eagerly taking photos with the dragon. Many even expressed a desire to experience the art of dragon dancing and to dance with the dragon themselves.

Moreover, related cultural products such as tinny colorful dragon, paper-cuttings, and lanterns that accompanied the performance team abroad were also very popular. In just six days, over 100 types of these cultural products were sold out.

Foreign friends were also very knowledgeable about the meanings behind these cultural products. Many of them said that they would put the paper-cuttings on their windows and walls, hoping that they would bring good fortune and happiness.

Wang Yue proudly stated: “Chinese dragon culture is becoming increasingly well-known internationally, which is closely related to our country’s strength and openness. I am confident about the future of Tongliang Dragon Dance’s rise abroad.”

Send the dragon abroad

The exquisitely crafted fire-resistant golden dragon makes a stunning debut in the UK

As the frequency of Tongliang Dragon Dance’s international appearances increases, the dragon dance team is becoming quite busy. Sending the crafted Tongliang Dragon abroad and encouraging local communities to form their own dragon dance teams have become a new approach for Tongliang Dragon’s international ventures, presenting new challenges for Tongliang Dragon craftsmen.

In February this year, themed on “Where Land Meets Sea · Tongliang Dragon Dance in the UK”, the 2024 Happy Chinese New Year Chongqing Urban Cultural Promotion in the UK presented a visual feast for the local audience with an 18-meter-long golden Tongliang Dragon which was crafted by Zhou Jian, a representative inheritor of Tongliang municipal-level intangible cultural heritage.

To create this dragon, Zhou Jian put in considerable effort. Due to air transport, the crafting materials had to be adjusted to ensure fire resistance, so the bamboo strips used for weaving were replaced with iron wires, and the fabric and paint used for the covering and decoration had to be fire-resistant.

“Chinese dragons symbolize majesty, nobility, auspiciousness and prosperity, with colors typically being the vibrant and eye-catching gold and red. After changing the fabric and paint, the colors became dull.” To address this issue, Zhou Jian and the dragon crafting team worked overtime to experiment with various materials, eventually finding the best materials and methods to complete the dragon on time.

Although he has crafted many dragons for international appearances, Zhou Jian feels a deep sense of pride and satisfaction every time he sees his work become the center of attention online. He said: “The international success of the Chinese dragon is a recognition and encouragement of our craftsmanship.”

Tongliang Dragon Dance is ready to welcome guests from all directions

The “smiling Tongliang Dragon” is no long the stereotypical fierce image”

During this Spring Festival, the opening ceremony of the 10th Chongqing Tongliang Dragon Lantern Art Festival was broadcast live on more than 10 domestic and international media outlets and social platforms, including CCTV News New Media, China News, and People’s Daily Online. The total viewership exceeded 9 million.

Under the night sky at Huangjuemen Colorful Garden Tongliang China, dazzling and continuous, the “wind-fire rings” spun to create layers of sparkling iron flowers. Shirtless dragon dancers dashed forward, and two Tongliang Dragons, covered in sparks, made a brilliant entrance. The dragons soared amidst the fire and glittering lights, eliciting screams of excitement from audiences.

What is the secret to Tongliang Dragon Dance becoming one of the cultural icons of Chinese dragons and gaining popularity even abroad? Qin Qijiang, Secretary of the Party Group and Chairman of Tongliang Federation of Literary and Art Circles, believed that the success of Tongliang Dragon Dance lies in the “appealing” image of the dragon. With its broad and smiling mouth, the dragon combines majesty with friendliness, making it easier for audiences to perceive the joyful and auspicious meanings of the Chinese dragon.

With this advantage, Tongliang Dragon Dance actively aligns itself with international standards, seeking development and breakthroughs through exchanges. The crafting materials and designs are continually adjusted, and the dragon dance techniques are refined with the establishment of the national team, giving Tongliang Dragon Dance an increasingly “international” flair.

Today, as China’s visa-free “circle of friends” continues to expand and the “China Travel” craze surges, Tongliang Dragon Dance is also prepared, and ready to warmly welcome guests from all directions. (Translated by Vichy, Fathom Language Limited)