Chongqing - A majestic golden Tongliang dragon embarked on its journey from Tongliang, Chongqing, to London on January 8, signifying the commencement of the "Where Land Meets Sea - Chinese Dragon Dance in (the) UK" event. This 2024 Happy Chinese New Year celebration is a part of Chongqing City's cultural promotion in the UK.

2024, the Year of the Dragon in the Chinese lunar calendar, holds a special place in Chinese culture, with the dragon symbolizing strength, prosperity, wisdom, and good fortune. The dragon dance has been a pivotal folk tradition during the Chinese Spring Festival for over a millennium, especially in the Year of the Dragon.

The "Where Land Meets Sea - Chinese Dragon Dance in (the) UK" event is a key part of the "Happy Chinese New Year" global cultural exchange initiatives by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of the People's Republic of China. The event invites global netizens to witness the Chongqing Tongliang Dragon's UK tour and join the Chinese New Year festivities.

Upon its arrival in London, the Tongliang Dragon will join local Chinese and international dragon dancers in presenting spectacular performances. As the exclusive Chinese cultural exhibit, the Tongliang Dragon will also participate in the lighting ceremony at London's iconic "London Eye," illuminating the night sky with Chinese hues. Furthermore, the Tongliang Dragon will showcase the richness of Chinese culture and Chongqing's unique charm to British and international visitors through static displays.

Yang Hongwei, Deputy Director of the Publicity Department of Comm,unist Party of China Tongliang District Committee, remarked, "We hope the Tongliang dragon's arrival in the UK will bring joy and serenity. The exhibition allows global friends to delve into the essence of our colorful tie intangible cultural heritage and deepen their understanding of China's traditional culture."

On February 14, the Western International Communication Center will bridge Tongliang and London in an online video live broadcast. This will allow global audiences to revel in the vibrant New Year's atmosphere, enjoying both the Chongqing Tongliang Dragon Dance and London's New Year celebrations.

Tongliang, known as the "Hometown of Chinese Dragon Lantern Art," boasts the "Tongliang Dragon Lantern" as one of the top ten folk arts in Bayu. The district is renowned for presenting the best dragon dance performances, with the "Tongliang Dragon Dance" being recognized as a national intangible cultural heritage in 2006. It has graced the National Day celebrations in Beijing four times and has been showcased in over 30 countries and regions.

The dragon sent to London was crafted by Zhou Jian, who dedicated a month to its meticulous creation. This golden dragon, representing the New Year blessings from Chongqing, features spirited dragon heads and vivid and powerful shapes, easily distinguishable from other dragon lanterns.

Yang Hongwei added, "The global embrace of Chinese traditional culture, especially during the Chinese Spring Festival, is heartwarming. We hope the Tongliang Dragon's journey to London will spread joy and convey our wishes for a prosperous Year of the Dragon to our friends in the UK."

(Contributed by Cheng Jialu, intern)