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Rich Culture
The Bench Dragon: A Dazzling Lantern Festival Tradition in Huangling

Every Spring Festival, the ancient village of Huangling comes alive with the mesmerizing glow and rhythmic pulse of the traditional"Bench Dragon"—a spectacular folk celebration with a history spanning hundreds of years.

Originating from China’s historic Heluo region and widely practiced across the southern provinces, the Bench Dragon is a beloved Lantern Festival custom that embodies centuries of cultural heritage. In Fujian—where the tradition remains especially vibrant—it is a symbolic ritual to welcome deities and pray for blessings in the new year, reflecting deep-rooted local beliefs and community spirit. The heart of the tradition lies in its craftsmanship and communal nature. Villagers carve holes into wooden bench sections—each family contributing one—and link them together to form a single dragon. These "benches" can stretch over200 meters, creating a breathtakingly long dragon that winds its way through the village like a living legend.

Recognized for its cultural value, the Bench Dragon from Datian County in Sanming City, Fujian, was listed in 2008 as anational intangible cultural heritage recommendation—a testament to its artistic and historical significance.

The dragon itself is a marvel of folk artistry. Each bench section bears a beautifully painted lantern, adorned with intricate designs of dragon scales, swirling clouds, and traditional patterns. The dragon’s head and tail are exquisitely crafted, with piercing eyes and flowing whiskers that lend the creature a sense of motion and majesty.

During the dance, each participant lifts a section of the dragon, moving in harmony to the beat of gongs and drums. The procession snakes through village paths and fields—twisting, coiling, leaping—with a vibrant energy that lights up the celebration. At night, as candles or lights flicker inside the lanterns, the entire dragon glows like a mythical creature soaring through the dark, creating a truly unforgettable spectacle.

More than a festive performance, the Bench Dragon symbolizesunity, harmony, and the shared hope for prosperity in the year ahead. As a treasured part of Wuyuan’s cultural heritage, it captures the essence of local folk traditions, showcasing the region’s unique artistic flair and communal spirit.

For visitors, witnessing (or even participating in) Huangling’s Bench Dragon is not just a visual feast—it's a cultural journey into the heart of rural China’s enduring celebration of life, light, and legacy.