Steel fire dragon ceremony ignites enthusiasm for cultural heritage
China Daily
1578058500000
![](https://cdnpdcontent.aikan.pdnews.cn/20200103/57f44b3593274b2eabba5b950c1f9bf7.jpeg)
A grand ceremony with fire ignited the night as a gesture to protect the intangible cultural heritage of Xiangxi in Furong town, Xiangxi Tujia and Miao autonomous prefecture in Central China's Hunan province on Jan 2. Known as a steel fire dragon, the colorful dragon was paraded by dozens of men as they danced against the backdrop of fire shot from bamboo tubes and wild chants. Xiangxi, a common term for the western part of Hunan province, is home to many ethnic groups, with the majority members of the Tujia and the Miao. (Photos provided to China Daily)
![](https://cdnpdcontent.aikan.pdnews.cn/20200103/4dd5b72eac8d45079644dfd77774a7ea.jpeg)
Shirtless men carry a steel fire dragon in Xiangxi in Furong town, Xiangxi Tujia and Miao autonomous prefecture in Central China's Hunan province, on Jan 2.
![](https://cdnpdcontent.aikan.pdnews.cn/20200103/329ad00d97ae4649839c4ee6e52a06d5.jpeg)
Shirtless men carry a steel fire dragon in Xiangxi in Furong town, Xiangxi Tujia and Miao autonomous prefecture in Central China's Hunan province, on Jan 2.
![](https://cdnpdcontent.aikan.pdnews.cn/20200103/320904e5632940fd86b266fb10d1cd86.jpeg)
The graceful performances of the female dancers showcased the beauty and mysterious side of Xiangxi's intangible cultural heritage.
![](https://cdnpdcontent.aikan.pdnews.cn/20200103/7d644e0a6ab74932b9de99464ceaeffe.jpeg)
The graceful performances of the female dancers showcased the beauty and mysterious side of Xiangxi's intangible cultural heritage.
![](https://cdnpdcontent.aikan.pdnews.cn/20200103/9640327bd3ed44008da87edb7cb2b654.jpeg)
The graceful performances of the female dancers showcased the beauty and mysterious side of Xiangxi's intangible cultural heritage.
![](https://cdnpdcontent.aikan.pdnews.cn/20200103/e7f5ae2ade1649d398fedfd71a8e83c2.jpeg)
The powerful and vigorous dances of the male performers from the Tujia ethnic group showcased mysterious side of Xiangxi's intangible cultural heritage.
![](https://cdnpdcontent.aikan.pdnews.cn/20200103/48a62e637b16448eab04c11d8919912b.jpeg)
The graceful performances of the female dancers showcased the beauty and mysterious side of Xiangxi's intangible cultural heritage.