Dragon dance teams parade through the streets, creating a lively spectacle. [Photo/Tide News]

The Quzhou Ancient City Cultural Tourism Zone in Quzhou, Zhejiang province was ablaze with excitement on March 3 as the city celebrated the Lantern Festival with a grand dragon dance event.

The "Dragons Soar Over the Ancient City, Blessings Fill Quzhou" 2026 Lantern Festival Dragon Dance Exhibition kicked off at 6:30 pm, drawing crowds eager to witness this cultural spectacle.

The event featured 18 dragon dance teams from Quzhou's Jiangshan county-level city and five counties and districts.

Highlights included Kaihua county's Xianghuo straw dragon dance, which was added to the national intangible cultural heritage list in 2011.

A stunning dragon dance is performed. [Photo/Tide News]

Six provincial-level intangible cultural heritage projects also participated, including Qujiang district's Quanwang board dragon dance and Longyou county's Hengshan straw dragon dance, alongside various county-level intangible cultural heritage projects.

Each performance offered a unique glimpse into traditional artistry. The dragons soared and twisted, their bodies forming sweeping arcs, like rolling waves.

This celebration not only highlighted the rich cultural traditions of the region but also attracted crowds eager to experience the festive spirit and cultural depth of Quzhou.