The Tongliang Dragon Dance Photo: Courtesy of Publicity Department of CPC Tongliang District Committee

The Tongliang Dragon is dubbed as the "No.1 Dragon in China" both at home and abroad. ­Tongliang Dragon Dance and Tongliang Dragon Lantern Caizha (colorful silk handicraft) are two national intangible cultural heritages (ICHs) in the district of Tongliang, Southwest China's Chongqing Municipality. 

In recent years, the district has used the dragon culture as a leverage to strengthen the systematic protection of ICHs through continued innovation and development.

A large-scale ICH live show "Dream Chasing - Tongliang Dragon" was staged at the Xuan­tianhu Dragon Dance Square, which has renovated the arena to enhance audiences' visual experience. 

A live show "Dream Chasing · Tongliang Dragon" Photo: Courtesy of Publicity Department of CPC Tongliang District Committee

The extravaganza is set against the backdrop of Tongliang's dragon culture and centers on Chinese folktale "Carp Leaps into the Dragon's Gate," telling a story of how Chinese people uphold the spirit of the dragon, stay true to their original aspiration, work hard, pursue their dreams and ultimately achieve success. 

The Dragon Dance show showcases various ICH performances, including the Tongliang Dragon Dance and Lantern Dance, allowing the audiences to better experience ICHs and promote traditional Chinese culture.

Students perform Tongliang dragon dance in a school in Tongliang district, Southwest China's Chongqing Municipality. Photo: Courtesy of Publicity Department of CPC Tongliang District Committee

The Tongliang Dragon Dance is a precious cultural resource that has enabled the sustainable and healthy development of dragon culture for thousands of years. Today, this culture has entered elementary and secondary schools and has been documented in local textbooks.