The rhythmic pounding of drums echoed through Wuling Square in Fenghua District, Ningbo, Zhejiang Province, as a spectacular folk parade unfolded on March 1 to celebrate the Longtaitou Festival.

Fenghua’s grand dragon dance parade to celebrate the Longtaitou Festival. (Photo: Luwei)

Also known as the "Dragon Head-Raising" Festival, Longtaitou falls on the second day of the second lunar month—March 1 this year. Deeply rooted in agrarian traditions and folk customs, the festival was once again observed in grand style in Fenghua. The event transformed the streets into a vibrant stage where performers and spectators alike immersed themselves in a time-honored celebration.

Fenghua’s grand dragon dance parade to celebrate the Longtaitou Festival. (Photo: Luwei)

Thirty-seven cloth dragons, accompanied by drummers, waist drum performers, and costumed dancers, brought the square and streets to life in a dazzling display of movement and rhythm. The star of the parade, the "Peach Blossom Dragon", captivated onlookers with its intricate design, blending traditional craftsmanship with delicate floral motifs. As it wove through the crowd, its fluid motions evoked the gentle fall of peach petals, drawing waves of applause.

Fenghua’s grand dragon dance parade to celebrate the Longtaitou Festival.

For the thousands of spectators lining the streets, the festival was more than just a visual spectacle—it was a fully immersive experience. The relentless beat of the drums intensified as dancers executed precise, acrobatic footwork, their synchronized movements breathing life into the dragons. As the dragons’ fabric bodies rippled through the air, they seemed almost lifelike—majestic creatures stirring from a centuries-long slumber, fully awakened and brimming with energy. Cheers erupted from the crowd, punctuated by the rapid clicks of camera shutters capturing the magic.

International participants in the parade. (Photo: Luwei)

Among the captivated spectators were international visitors, many of whom experiencing Fenghua’s dragon dance for the first time. "I’ve always thought of dragons as powerful yet fearsome creatures, but today, I truly understood the Loong—the Chinese dragon—as a symbol of good fortune, happiness, and prosperity," said Rahman Mohammed Ashiqur from Bangladesh. "Seeing it up close, I can appreciate why the ‘Loong’ holds such deep significance for the Chinese people."

Another visitor, Muaadh Ayoub from Yemen, was equally moved by the event’s energy. "The atmosphere here is incredible—so full of warmth and togetherness. It made me feel like I was part of one big family celebrating something meaningful," he said. "This kind of joyous gathering is something truly special—unique and yet so familiar."

Fenghua’s dragon dance tradition runs deep. Historical records trace its origins to the Southern Song Dynasty when early dragons were crafted from straw before evolving into today’s elaborately constructed cloth versions. The region’s geography further enriched the lore—deep pools scattered across Fenghua’s mountainous terrain were believed to be dragon lairs. During droughts, villagers performed ritual dances by these "dragon pools", invoking rainfall through rhythmic movements. Over time, these ceremonies transformed into a community-wide celebration, blending dance, handicrafts, and cultural expression.

By the mid-20th century, dragon dances had become a source of pride for Fenghua residents, with nearly every village boasting its own troupe. The tradition reached new heights in 2006 when the Fenghua Cloth Dragon was officially recognized as a national intangible cultural heritage. Today, as China modernizes, the challenge lies in preserving these legacies while adapting them for contemporary audiences.

A dragon dance performance at local school in Fenghua.

Local artisans and performers are rising to that challenge. While remaining faithful to traditional handcrafting techniques, they are also finding new ways to showcase the cloth dragon and enhance its appeal. Schools across Fenghua have incorporated dragon dance lessons into their curriculum, ensuring that younger generations inherit both the skills and the stories of their ancestors.

Each spring, as the dragons unfurl their silken bodies beneath the open sky, Fenghua reaffirms its connection to a living tradition—one that bridges past and present, folklore and festivity, artistry and identity. As long as there are those who continue to bring the dragons to life and keep the rhythm of the drums alive, there’s no doubt that this centuries-old tradition will persist.

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