To celebrate the 2026 International Day of the Intangible Cultural Heritage, the “Gan-style ICH · Jiangyou Grand Fair” Hongdu Dragon and Lion Parade and Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) Market kicked off with great fanfare on Oct. 17. Ten international students from JXNU—from Madagascar, Mexico, Morocco, Afghanistan —got hands-on exposure to ICH skills and experienced the unique charm and vitality of traditional Chinese culture.
At the parade, the students joined the dragon and lion troupe and worked together to dance the long dragon to the beat of resounding drums. Holding the dragon poles aloft and running steadily, they made the dragon body coil upward and soar skyward at one moment and weave and dip nimbly at another through their coordinated teamwork. The brightly colored dragon undulated to the rhythm, and the students’ focused involvement made them a striking sight in the parade, drawing many residents to stop and take photos and capturing a vivid moment of cross-cultural exchange.
Li Songning, a student from Madagascar, took part in a dragon dance for the first time. In an interview, he could barely contain his excitement: “Dragon dancing is a real test of teamwork, and through it I came to understand the importance Chinese people place on unity. In the past, I learned about Chinese culture mostly in the classroom. Taking part in person this time made me truly feel the living vitality and moving power of intangible cultural heritage.”
Mexican twin brothers Ma Muchen and Ma Muyang said they had only seen dragon lanterns during festivals before and never imagined they could become dragon dancers—still less that the dragon would be so heavy. “It feels weighty in your hands, but once it starts moving, it is like flying on the wind. When we gradually found the rhythm and the audience cheered warmly, we suddenly felt that all the effort was more than worth it. Dancing one dragon together with partners from different countries and cultural backgrounds is an experience we will never forget,” they said.
