The Yuanyang dragon dance captivates international audiences. [Photo/WeChat account: cxvoice]

The Yuanyang dragon dance, originating in Qincaowu village of Changxing county in Huzhou, Zhejiang province, has clinched the prestigious 10th Zhejiang Folk Art Yingshanhong Award for Outstanding Folk Art Performance.

As a provincial intangible cultural heritage item, the Yuanyang dragon dance, featuring both a male and female dragon, has been a part of Changxing's rural life for over a century. This unique folk tradition not only enriches the local culture but also represents Chinese cultural heritage on the global stage.

"This recognition is not just for the art itself, but a tribute to the dedication of generations of inheritors," said Chen Qinzhao, head of the Changxing Yuanyang Dragon Art Troupe.

Local legend has it that a pair of young azure-colored dragons settled near Qingcaowu to protect the villagers, who in gratitude, perform the dragon dance each year to honor these guardians of peace and prosperity.

Although the tradition was once in decline, passionate inheritors have revived it, encouraging villagers to participate and funding the necessary props themselves. Today, the art form is thriving, attracting young enthusiasts to breathe new life into this ancient tradition.

In 2016, Chen invited experts to revamp the performance, infusing it with emotional and narrative elements to enhance its appeal. The Yuanyang dragon dance has since earned numerous accolades, both domestically and internationally, including the Special Award at the 34th Alberobello International Folk Art Festival in Italy.