{"id":16597,"date":"2024-01-28T15:25:26","date_gmt":"2024-01-28T15:25:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/10.81.104.155\/int\/?post_type=article&#038;p=16597"},"modified":"2024-02-21T04:21:23","modified_gmt":"2024-02-21T04:21:23","slug":"spirit-of-the-dragon","status":"publish","type":"article","link":"https:\/\/sponsorcontent.cnn.com\/int\/cgtn-spring-festival-2024\/spirit-of-the-dragon\/","title":{"rendered":"Spirit of the Dragon"},"content":{"rendered":"\n  <style>\n    @media (min-width: 980px) {\n      .wp-block-hero__heading { font-size: 82px !important}\n      .wp-block-hero__sub-heading { font-size: 28px !important}\n    }\n  <\/style>\n\n<article class=\"wp-block-hero break-out\">\n\n      <div class=\"wp-block-hero__background\">\n                        <img data-src=\"https:\/\/sponsorcontent.cnn.com\/int\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/2024-cgtn-cny-af1-hero.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-block-hero__background__image wp-block-hero__background__image--desktop lazy\">\n              \n          <\/div>\n  \n  <i class=\"wp-block-hero__overlay\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n\n  \n      <i\n    aria-hidden=\"true\"\n    class=\"wp-block-hero__custom-overlay\"\n    style=\"background-color:#000000;opacity:0.28\"><\/i>\n  \n  \n  <div class=\"wp-block-hero__intro-wrap container\">\n    <h1 class=\"wp-block-hero__heading\">Spirit of the Dragon<\/h1>\n  \n      <\/div>\n\n\n  \n    <div class=\"wp-block-hero__content-by wp-block-hero__content-by--wrap container\">      \n      <ul class=\"wp-block-hero__logos\">\n                  <li class=\"wp-block-hero__item\">\n\n                          <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cgtn.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"sponsored noopener\">\n            \n                          <img data-src=https:\/\/sponsorcontent.cnn.com\/int\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/2021_CGTN_logo-v2-300x144.png alt=\"\" class=\"wp-block-hero__icon lazy\">\n            \n                          <\/a>\n            \n          <\/li>\n              <\/ul>\n    <\/div>\n    \n  <\/article>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-text-color has-link-color has-large-font-size wp-elements-16bec2eb5dd820c1361c33c84c9726be\" style=\"color:#b20b33\">For over a thousand years, the Chinese dragon has been brought to life every year by troupes of dancers from Chongqing in southwest China to bring blessings <nobr>for all seasons.<\/nobr><\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-text-color has-alpha-channel-opacity has-background\" style=\"background-color:#988546;color:#988546\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-drop-cap\"><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);color:#b20b33\" class=\"has-inline-color\">A<\/mark> man, adorned with a red headscarf, meticulously scoops a small ladle of molten iron from a furnace. He flings the fiery orb with precision into the air, where his companion skillfully meets it with a flat wooden paddle. The iron explodes upon impact, cascading a shower of golden sparks over the dragon, which twists and turns rhythmically to the resonant sounds of gongs and drums. The dancers perform intensely, their sweat glistening as they narrate the tale of a humble carp transforming into a divine dragon\u2014a symbol of reverence in Chinese culture.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Originating in China nearly 3,000 years ago, the dragon dance was initially a ritual to summon rain and ensure a bountiful harvest. This folk custom has evolved into an essential element of traditional festivals and celebrations, particularly during the Spring Festival, when the dragon captivates revelers with its vibrant colors and dynamic movements. Across China and in Chinese communities around the world, people of all ages throng streets and alleys, eager for a glimpse of the dragon that promises blessings and good fortune for the upcoming year.<br><br>With 2024 ushering in the Year of the Dragon, the imagery of the dragon becomes even more prominent as a symbol of prosperity and auspiciousness.<\/p>\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image wp-block-image--default is-style-parallax\"><img data-src=\"https:\/\/sponsorcontent.cnn.com\/int\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/2024-cgtn-cny-af1-img01-100x56.jpg\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/sponsorcontent.cnn.com\/int\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/2024-cgtn-cny-af1-img01.jpg 1920w, https:\/\/sponsorcontent.cnn.com\/int\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/2024-cgtn-cny-af1-img01-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/sponsorcontent.cnn.com\/int\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/2024-cgtn-cny-af1-img01-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/sponsorcontent.cnn.com\/int\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/2024-cgtn-cny-af1-img01-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/sponsorcontent.cnn.com\/int\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/2024-cgtn-cny-af1-img01-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/sponsorcontent.cnn.com\/int\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/2024-cgtn-cny-af1-img01-1247x701.jpg 1247w, https:\/\/sponsorcontent.cnn.com\/int\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/2024-cgtn-cny-af1-img01-826x465.jpg 826w, https:\/\/sponsorcontent.cnn.com\/int\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/2024-cgtn-cny-af1-img01-600x338.jpg 600w, https:\/\/sponsorcontent.cnn.com\/int\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/2024-cgtn-cny-af1-img01-100x56.jpg 100w, https:\/\/sponsorcontent.cnn.com\/int\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/2024-cgtn-cny-af1-img01-520x293.jpg 520w, https:\/\/sponsorcontent.cnn.com\/int\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/2024-cgtn-cny-af1-img01-260x146.jpg 260w\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1080\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-block-image__image lazy\"><\/figure>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-text-color has-background has-link-color wp-elements-7d24e16116b8324b53b761d6cc4a6063 is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"color:#f2ebd1;background-color:#801519\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-cnn-heading\"><h2 class=\"wp-block-cnn-heading__heading\"><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);color:#edd88b\" class=\"has-inline-color\">A Heritage of Harmony<\/mark><\/h2><div class=\"wp-block-cnn-heading__content\"><p>In Chongqing\u2019s Tongliang District, the dragon dance is more than a tradition celebrated with great enthusiasm and skill; it embodies centuries of history and local customs. Throughout history, the Tongliang Dragon Dance\u2014with roots tracing back to the Sui (581-618) and Tang (618-907) dynasties and flourishing through the Ming (1368-1644) and Qing (1636-1912) dynasties\u2014has been continuously adapted by its cultural custodians.<br><br>Today, the Tongliang Dragon Dance features several types of dragons, each characterized by a rich diversity of movement and rhythm. The performance demands exceptional teamwork, requiring troupe members to coordinate precise movements, showcasing harmony, and embodying a perfect blend of strength and grace, motion and stillness. In addition to its dazzling display of skill and artistry, the Tongliang Dragon Dance is also infused with cultural significance.<\/p><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image wp-block-image--default is-style-parallax\"><img data-src=\"https:\/\/sponsorcontent.cnn.com\/int\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/2024-cgtn-cny-af1-img02-100x56.jpg\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/sponsorcontent.cnn.com\/int\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/2024-cgtn-cny-af1-img02.jpg 1920w, https:\/\/sponsorcontent.cnn.com\/int\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/2024-cgtn-cny-af1-img02-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/sponsorcontent.cnn.com\/int\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/2024-cgtn-cny-af1-img02-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/sponsorcontent.cnn.com\/int\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/2024-cgtn-cny-af1-img02-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/sponsorcontent.cnn.com\/int\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/2024-cgtn-cny-af1-img02-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/sponsorcontent.cnn.com\/int\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/2024-cgtn-cny-af1-img02-1247x701.jpg 1247w, https:\/\/sponsorcontent.cnn.com\/int\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/2024-cgtn-cny-af1-img02-826x465.jpg 826w, https:\/\/sponsorcontent.cnn.com\/int\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/2024-cgtn-cny-af1-img02-600x338.jpg 600w, https:\/\/sponsorcontent.cnn.com\/int\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/2024-cgtn-cny-af1-img02-100x56.jpg 100w, https:\/\/sponsorcontent.cnn.com\/int\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/2024-cgtn-cny-af1-img02-520x293.jpg 520w, https:\/\/sponsorcontent.cnn.com\/int\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/2024-cgtn-cny-af1-img02-260x146.jpg 260w\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1080\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-block-image__image lazy\"><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-cnn-heading\"><h2 class=\"wp-block-cnn-heading__heading\"><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);color:#b20b33\" class=\"has-inline-color\">Blessings for all Seasons<\/mark><\/h2><div class=\"wp-block-cnn-heading__content\"><p>Situated along the upper reaches of the Yangtze River, Tongliang is celebrated for its stunning natural landscapes, including Mount Bayue, known for its bamboo forests. In the ancient town of Anju, nestled within this district, residents have traditionally harvested straw and bamboo from deep in the mountains at the onset of fall\u2014materials which were then used to adorn the figures in the dragon dances.<br><br>These performances, first enacted in this ancient town over a thousand years ago, have been enriched by the availability of seasonal local materials, which has led to the creation of different types of dragons throughout the year, each uniquely designed to bring its own blessings.<br><br>The Fire Dragon\u2014and the telling of the \u201cChasing the Dream of the Tongliang Dragon\u201d performance\u2014 is the most well-known of the Tongliang Dragon Dance Team and Tongliang Dragon Art Troupe. This group also showcases other types of dragons, including the Lotus Dragon, which appears in summertime, its scales evocative of the beloved flower&#8217;s petals, representing growth and the bounty of nature. The Water Dragon dance, typically performed in rivers or lakes, is a ritualistic call for rain, and as fall sets in and farmers start filling their harvest barns, the Wheat Dragon is brought forth, symbolizing prayers for a bountiful harvest.<\/p><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\t<article class=\"wp-block-carousel wp-block-carousel--align-wide wp-block-carousel--orientation-landscape\">\n\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-carousel__slider\">\n\n\t\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-carousel__slider-buttons\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n\n\t\t\t\t<button\n\t\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\t\tclass=\"wp-block-carousel__slider-button wp-block-carousel__slider-button--prev prev-btn\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"screen-reader-text\">Click to go previous slide<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t<\/button>\n\n\t\t\t\t<button\n\t\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\t\tclass=\"wp-block-carousel__slider-button wp-block-carousel__slider-button--next next-btn\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"screen-reader-text\">Click to go next 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https:\/\/sponsorcontent.cnn.com\/int\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/2024-cgtn-cny-af1-sec2-gala-04-520x292.jpg 520w, https:\/\/sponsorcontent.cnn.com\/int\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/2024-cgtn-cny-af1-sec2-gala-04-260x146.jpg 260w, https:\/\/sponsorcontent.cnn.com\/int\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/2024-cgtn-cny-af1-sec2-gala-04.jpg 1245w\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\talt=\"\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\twidth=\"1245\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\theight=\"700\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tstyle=\"object-position: \"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t<div class=\"container wp-block-carousel__ticker-container\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-carousel__counter\">\n\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-carousel__numbers\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"wp-block-carousel__current\">1<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"wp-block-carousel__label\">of<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"wp-block-carousel__total\">4<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-carousel__arrows\" dir=\"ltr\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<button\n\t\t\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"wp-block-carousel__button wp-block-carousel__button--prev prev-btn\"\n\t\t\t\t\taria-label=\"Click to go previous slide\"><svg class=\"svg-icon svg-icon--icon-carousel-left\" aria-hidden=\"true\" role=\"img\"> <use href=\"#icon-carousel-left\" xlink:href=\"#icon-carousel-left\"><\/use> <\/svg><\/button>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<button\n\t\t\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"wp-block-carousel__button wp-block-carousel__button--next next-btn\"\n\t\t\t\t\taria-label=\"Click to go next slide\"><svg class=\"svg-icon svg-icon--icon-carousel-right\" aria-hidden=\"true\" role=\"img\"> <use href=\"#icon-carousel-right\" xlink:href=\"#icon-carousel-right\"><\/use> <\/svg><\/button>\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<button\n\t\t\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"wp-block-carousel__fullscreen fullscreen-btn\"\n\t\t\t\t\taria-label=\"Click to open image fullscreen\"><svg class=\"svg-icon svg-icon--icon-fullscreen\" aria-hidden=\"true\" role=\"img\"> <use href=\"#icon-fullscreen\" xlink:href=\"#icon-fullscreen\"><\/use> <\/svg><\/button>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\n\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-carousel__caption-slider\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-carousel__container\" dir=\"ltr\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<figcaption class=\"wp-block-carousel__caption\" aria-hidden=\"false\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tThe Lotus Dragon appears in the summertime to represent growth and the bounty of nature.\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/figcaption>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<figcaption class=\"wp-block-carousel__caption\" aria-hidden=\"false\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tThe Water Dragon Dance, performed in rivers or lakes, is a ritualistic call for rain.\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/figcaption>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<figcaption class=\"wp-block-carousel__caption\" aria-hidden=\"false\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tThe Wheat Dragon Dance symbolizes prayers for a bountiful harvest.\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/figcaption>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<figcaption class=\"wp-block-carousel__caption\" aria-hidden=\"false\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tThe Fire Dragon is believed to protect against bad luck and bring blessings to the community.\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/figcaption>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-carousel__modal\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n\n\t\t\t<button type=\"button\" class=\"wp-block-carousel__close-overlay\">\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"screen-reader-text\">click to close modal<\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/button>\n\n\t\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-carousel__modal-arrows\" dir=\"ltr\">\n\t\t\t\t<button\n\t\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\t\tclass=\"wp-block-carousel__button wp-block-carousel__button--prev modal-prev-btn\"\n\t\t\t\taria-label=\"Click to go previous slide\"><svg class=\"svg-icon svg-icon--icon-carousel-left\" aria-hidden=\"true\" role=\"img\"> <use href=\"#icon-carousel-left\" xlink:href=\"#icon-carousel-left\"><\/use> <\/svg><\/button>\n\n\t\t\t\t<button\n\t\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\t\tclass=\"wp-block-carousel__button wp-block-carousel__button--next modal-next-btn\"\n\t\t\t\taria-label=\"Click to go next slide\"><svg class=\"svg-icon svg-icon--icon-carousel-right\" aria-hidden=\"true\" role=\"img\"> <use href=\"#icon-carousel-right\" xlink:href=\"#icon-carousel-right\"><\/use> <\/svg><\/button>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t<button\n\t\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\t\tclass=\"wp-block-carousel__fullscreen modal-fullscreen-btn\"\n\t\t\t\taria-label=\"Click to open image fullscreen\"><svg class=\"svg-icon svg-icon--icon-fullscreen-close\" 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https:\/\/sponsorcontent.cnn.com\/int\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/2024-cgtn-cny-af1-sec2-gala-01-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/sponsorcontent.cnn.com\/int\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/2024-cgtn-cny-af1-sec2-gala-01-826x464.jpg 826w, https:\/\/sponsorcontent.cnn.com\/int\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/2024-cgtn-cny-af1-sec2-gala-01-600x337.jpg 600w, https:\/\/sponsorcontent.cnn.com\/int\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/2024-cgtn-cny-af1-sec2-gala-01-100x56.jpg 100w, https:\/\/sponsorcontent.cnn.com\/int\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/2024-cgtn-cny-af1-sec2-gala-01-520x292.jpg 520w, https:\/\/sponsorcontent.cnn.com\/int\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/2024-cgtn-cny-af1-sec2-gala-01-260x146.jpg 260w, https:\/\/sponsorcontent.cnn.com\/int\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/2024-cgtn-cny-af1-sec2-gala-01.jpg 1245w\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\talt=\"\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\twidth=\"1245\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\theight=\"700\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tstyle=\"object-position:50% 50%\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<figure class=\"wp-block-carousel__modal-figure\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-carousel__modal-image-wrap\">\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"wp-block-carousel__modal-image wp-block-carousel__modal-image--desktop\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tsrc=\"https:\/\/sponsorcontent.cnn.com\/int\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/2024-cgtn-cny-af1-sec2-gala-02-100x56.jpg\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tsrcset=\"https:\/\/sponsorcontent.cnn.com\/int\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/2024-cgtn-cny-af1-sec2-gala-02-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/sponsorcontent.cnn.com\/int\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/2024-cgtn-cny-af1-sec2-gala-02-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/sponsorcontent.cnn.com\/int\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/2024-cgtn-cny-af1-sec2-gala-02-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/sponsorcontent.cnn.com\/int\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/2024-cgtn-cny-af1-sec2-gala-02-826x464.jpg 826w, https:\/\/sponsorcontent.cnn.com\/int\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/2024-cgtn-cny-af1-sec2-gala-02-600x337.jpg 600w, https:\/\/sponsorcontent.cnn.com\/int\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/2024-cgtn-cny-af1-sec2-gala-02-100x56.jpg 100w, https:\/\/sponsorcontent.cnn.com\/int\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/2024-cgtn-cny-af1-sec2-gala-02-520x292.jpg 520w, https:\/\/sponsorcontent.cnn.com\/int\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/2024-cgtn-cny-af1-sec2-gala-02-260x146.jpg 260w, https:\/\/sponsorcontent.cnn.com\/int\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/2024-cgtn-cny-af1-sec2-gala-02.jpg 1245w\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\talt=\"\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\twidth=\"1245\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\theight=\"700\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tstyle=\"object-position:50% 50%\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<figure class=\"wp-block-carousel__modal-figure\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-carousel__modal-image-wrap\">\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"wp-block-carousel__modal-image wp-block-carousel__modal-image--desktop\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tsrc=\"https:\/\/sponsorcontent.cnn.com\/int\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/2024-cgtn-cny-af1-sec2-gala-03-100x56.jpg\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tsrcset=\"https:\/\/sponsorcontent.cnn.com\/int\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/2024-cgtn-cny-af1-sec2-gala-03-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/sponsorcontent.cnn.com\/int\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/2024-cgtn-cny-af1-sec2-gala-03-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/sponsorcontent.cnn.com\/int\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/2024-cgtn-cny-af1-sec2-gala-03-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/sponsorcontent.cnn.com\/int\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/2024-cgtn-cny-af1-sec2-gala-03-826x464.jpg 826w, https:\/\/sponsorcontent.cnn.com\/int\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/2024-cgtn-cny-af1-sec2-gala-03-600x337.jpg 600w, https:\/\/sponsorcontent.cnn.com\/int\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/2024-cgtn-cny-af1-sec2-gala-03-100x56.jpg 100w, https:\/\/sponsorcontent.cnn.com\/int\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/2024-cgtn-cny-af1-sec2-gala-03-520x292.jpg 520w, https:\/\/sponsorcontent.cnn.com\/int\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/2024-cgtn-cny-af1-sec2-gala-03-260x146.jpg 260w, https:\/\/sponsorcontent.cnn.com\/int\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/2024-cgtn-cny-af1-sec2-gala-03.jpg 1245w\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\talt=\"\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\twidth=\"1245\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\theight=\"700\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tstyle=\"object-position:50% 50%\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<figure class=\"wp-block-carousel__modal-figure\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-carousel__modal-image-wrap\">\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"wp-block-carousel__modal-image wp-block-carousel__modal-image--desktop\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tsrc=\"https:\/\/sponsorcontent.cnn.com\/int\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/2024-cgtn-cny-af1-sec2-gala-04-100x56.jpg\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tsrcset=\"https:\/\/sponsorcontent.cnn.com\/int\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/2024-cgtn-cny-af1-sec2-gala-04-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/sponsorcontent.cnn.com\/int\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/2024-cgtn-cny-af1-sec2-gala-04-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/sponsorcontent.cnn.com\/int\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/2024-cgtn-cny-af1-sec2-gala-04-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/sponsorcontent.cnn.com\/int\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/2024-cgtn-cny-af1-sec2-gala-04-826x464.jpg 826w, https:\/\/sponsorcontent.cnn.com\/int\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/2024-cgtn-cny-af1-sec2-gala-04-600x337.jpg 600w, https:\/\/sponsorcontent.cnn.com\/int\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/2024-cgtn-cny-af1-sec2-gala-04-100x56.jpg 100w, https:\/\/sponsorcontent.cnn.com\/int\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/2024-cgtn-cny-af1-sec2-gala-04-520x292.jpg 520w, https:\/\/sponsorcontent.cnn.com\/int\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/2024-cgtn-cny-af1-sec2-gala-04-260x146.jpg 260w, https:\/\/sponsorcontent.cnn.com\/int\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/2024-cgtn-cny-af1-sec2-gala-04.jpg 1245w\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\talt=\"\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\twidth=\"1245\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\theight=\"700\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tstyle=\"object-position:50% 50%\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t<\/article>\n\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-text-color has-background has-link-color wp-elements-aab31d1178662b97645322bc7753a313 is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"color:#f2ebd1;background-color:#801519\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-cnn-heading\"><h2 class=\"wp-block-cnn-heading__heading\"><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);color:#edd88b\" class=\"has-inline-color\">Bridging Past and Present<\/mark><\/h2><div class=\"wp-block-cnn-heading__content\"><p>From the valleys and hillsides of Chongqing, the Tongliang Dragon Dance has been performed in more than 30 countries and regions, including one that darted through the iconic New Year&#8217;s Eve celebrations in Times Square in 2017, and another that inaugurated the first Dragon Boat Festival in Bulgaria in June 2023.<br><br>At home in China, the Tongliang Dragon Dance Team has achieved notable successes, and in 1999, under the leadership of head coach Cai Mingcan, the troupe won the title of \u201cNational Dragon Dance Team\u201d. Its performances have been featured in numerous national celebrations, including the Beijing 2008 Summer Olympics and the Expo 2010 Shanghai.<\/p><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image wp-block-image--default is-style-parallax\"><img data-src=\"https:\/\/sponsorcontent.cnn.com\/int\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/2024-cgtn-cny-af1-img03-100x56.jpg\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/sponsorcontent.cnn.com\/int\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/2024-cgtn-cny-af1-img03.jpg 1920w, https:\/\/sponsorcontent.cnn.com\/int\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/2024-cgtn-cny-af1-img03-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/sponsorcontent.cnn.com\/int\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/2024-cgtn-cny-af1-img03-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/sponsorcontent.cnn.com\/int\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/2024-cgtn-cny-af1-img03-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/sponsorcontent.cnn.com\/int\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/2024-cgtn-cny-af1-img03-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/sponsorcontent.cnn.com\/int\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/2024-cgtn-cny-af1-img03-1247x701.jpg 1247w, https:\/\/sponsorcontent.cnn.com\/int\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/2024-cgtn-cny-af1-img03-826x465.jpg 826w, https:\/\/sponsorcontent.cnn.com\/int\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/2024-cgtn-cny-af1-img03-600x338.jpg 600w, https:\/\/sponsorcontent.cnn.com\/int\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/2024-cgtn-cny-af1-img03-100x56.jpg 100w, https:\/\/sponsorcontent.cnn.com\/int\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/2024-cgtn-cny-af1-img03-520x293.jpg 520w, https:\/\/sponsorcontent.cnn.com\/int\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/2024-cgtn-cny-af1-img03-260x146.jpg 260w\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1080\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-block-image__image lazy\"><\/figure>\n\n\n<p>For Tongliang Dragon Dance Team member Li Jing, dragon dances have been integral to her life, and she draws on her background in dance to bring a unique style to her performances. She is an expert at performing with the pearl\u2014a spherical ball symbolizing wisdom, which the dragon chases during the dance to represent the pursuit of knowledge. \u201cI combine hardness with softness in my dragon pearl performance by incorporating dance, martial arts, and sports,\u201d says Li.<br><br>Inspired by the dedication of previous dance masters, young individuals like Li are embracing the tradition, learning, performing, and passing on this ancient art, preserving the cultural heritage for future generations.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\t<article class=\"wp-block-video\">\n\t\t<figure class=\"container\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-video__wrapper\">\n\n\t\t\t\t<div\n\t\t\t\tdata-plyr-provider=\"vimeo\"\n\t\t\t\tclass=\"wp-block-video__player\"\n\t\t\t\tdata-plyr-provider=\"vimeo\"\n\t\t\t\tdata-plyr-embed-id=\"https:\/\/vimeo.com\/903542326\"\n\t\t\t\t><\/div>\n\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\n\t\t\n\t<\/article>\n\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-1 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-32b4ae67e584cc667e6561f646412727\" style=\"color:#b20b33\"><span style=\"display:flex;align-item:center;justify-content:center\"><span style=\"width:900px\"><span style=\"display:inline-block;font-size:1.2em;line-height:1.5em;letter-spacing:0.03em;\">From its historical roots to its modern adaptations, this ancient art form of dragon dances reflects the dynamism of Chinese heritage and the community spirit of its people. As the Tongliang Dragon Dance continues to captivate audiences across China and around the world, it serves as a testament to the timeless appeal of cultural traditions, embracing both the past and the present to safeguard the enduring <nobr>legacy of the dragon.<\/nobr><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<article class=\"wp-block-related-content break-out\">\n  <div class=\"container\">\n\n          <h2 class=\"wp-block-related-content__heading\"><font>Read More<\/font><\/h2>\n    \n          <div class=\"wp-block-related-content__grid\">\n\n                  <article class=\"wp-block-related-content__item\">\n            <a\n            href=\"https:\/\/sponsorcontent.cnn.com\/edition\/2024\/cgtn-spring-festival-2024\/\"\n            class=\"wp-block-related-content__link\"\n            target=\"_self\"\n                        >\n\n                              <div class=\"wp-block-related-content__media\">\n                  <img data-src=https:\/\/sponsorcontent.cnn.com\/int\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/2024-cgtn-cny-hub-1024x576.jpg alt=\"\" class=\"wp-block-related-content__image lazy\">\n                <\/div>\n              \n                              <h3 class=\"wp-block-related-content__title\">A Tradition of Celebration<\/h3>\n              \n            <\/a>\n          <\/article>\n                  <article class=\"wp-block-related-content__item\">\n            <a\n            href=\"https:\/\/sponsorcontent.cnn.com\/int\/cgtn-spring-festival-2024\/spirit-of-the-dragon\/\"\n            class=\"wp-block-related-content__link\"\n            target=\"_self\"\n                        >\n\n                              <div class=\"wp-block-related-content__media\">\n                  <img data-src=https:\/\/sponsorcontent.cnn.com\/int\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/2024-cgtn-cny-af1-img01-tmp-1024x576.jpg alt=\"\" class=\"wp-block-related-content__image lazy\">\n                <\/div>\n              \n                              <h3 class=\"wp-block-related-content__title\">Spirit of the Dragon<\/h3>\n              \n            <\/a>\n          <\/article>\n                  <article class=\"wp-block-related-content__item\">\n            <a\n            href=\"https:\/\/sponsorcontent.cnn.com\/int\/cgtn-spring-festival-2024\/hundred-blessings\/\"\n            class=\"wp-block-related-content__link\"\n            target=\"_self\"\n                        >\n\n                              <div class=\"wp-block-related-content__media\">\n                  <img data-src=https:\/\/sponsorcontent.cnn.com\/int\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/2024-cgtn-cny-af2-feature-1024x576.jpg alt=\"\" class=\"wp-block-related-content__image lazy\">\n                <\/div>\n              \n                              <h3 class=\"wp-block-related-content__title\">A Hundred Blessings<\/h3>\n              \n            <\/a>\n          <\/article>\n        \n      <\/div>\n    \n  <\/div>\n<\/article>\n\n\n<article class=\"wp-block-cta break-out\">\n\n\n      <div class=\"wp-block-cta__background wp-block-cta__background--has-both\">\n                        <img data-src=\"https:\/\/sponsorcontent.cnn.com\/int\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/2024-cny-cta-tmp.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-block-cta__background__image wp-block-cta__background__image--desktop lazy\">\n                                      <img data-src=\"https:\/\/sponsorcontent.cnn.com\/int\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/2024-cnt-cta-mobile-tmp-768x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-block-cta__background__image wp-block-cta__background__image--mobile lazy\">\n                  <\/div>\n  \n  \n  <div class=\"container\">\n\n          <h3 class=\"wp-block-cta__heading\">&nbsp;<br><br><br><\/h3>\n    \n    \n    <div class=\"wp-block-cta__buttons\">\n              <a\n        href=\"https:\/\/www.cgtn.com\/specials\/2024\/spring-festival.html\"\n        target=\"_blank\"\n        rel=\"sponsored noopener\"        class=\"button wp-block-cta__cta\">\n          Find Out More        <\/a>\n      \n      \n    <\/div>\n  <\/div>\n<\/article>","protected":false},"featured_media":16814,"template":"","class_list":["post-16597","article","type-article","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v24.2 - 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