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)

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.

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.

The graceful performances of the female dancers showcased the beauty and mysterious side of Xiangxi's intangible cultural heritage.

The graceful performances of the female dancers showcased the beauty and mysterious side of Xiangxi's intangible cultural heritage.

The graceful performances of the female dancers showcased the beauty and mysterious side of Xiangxi's intangible cultural heritage.

The powerful and vigorous dances of the male performers from the Tujia ethnic group showcased mysterious side of Xiangxi's intangible cultural heritage.

The graceful performances of the female dancers showcased the beauty and mysterious side of Xiangxi's intangible cultural heritage.