Chongqing Tongliang fire dragon show returns to Taiwan

Renowned as China's "number one dragon dance", a Chongqing Tongliang fire dragon dance performance thrilled Nantou county, Taiwan. Nearly 60,000 people attended the show that welcomed the upcoming Lantern Festival on Feb 17.

The performers prepare for the fire dragon dance. [Photo by Li Xiaoming/cqnews.net]

Tongliang fire dragon dance was listed in the first batch of national intangible cultural heritage by the State Council in 2006. It is considered one of the top ten cultural symbols in Chongqing.

A total of 41 dragon dancers participated in the performance. They are from Gaolou town, the birthplace of Tongliang fire dragon, with an average age of 42 years old.

During the show, the dancers performed in a shower of molten iron that sparkled like fireworks, creating a spectacular and fiery scene.

The Tongliang fire dragon dance show sparks a shower of molten iron that sparkled like fireworks to greet the upcoming Lantern Festival in Nantou county, Taiwan on Feb 17. [Photo by Li Xiaoming/cqnews.net]

At the show, Nantou county set up a designated shooting area for photographers, accommodating hundreds of people.

Compared with last year's performance, this year's Tongliang fire dragon dance incorporated additional cultural elements such as Sichuan Opera.

Tongliang fire dragon dance attract many people to enjoy. [Photo by Li Xiaoming/cqnews.net]

The fire dragon dance will also be performed in Zhanghua county, Taiwan on Feb 19.