In a similar celebration to the fire dragon dance, the “Dancing Dragon and Whistling Flowers” event takes place every year among the Miao ethnic group in Taijiang, southwest China’s Guizhou Province. In this activity, bare-chested dragon dancers move gracefully amid the glow of fire, creating a thrilling spectacle that is often hailed as the “game of the brave.”

Typically, the dragon dance kicks off on the ninth day of the first month of the traditional Chinese calendar. Dancers navigate through the streets and enter people’s homes to extend New Year’s greetings, accompanied by the rhythmic beats of drums and gongs, presenting a lively performance. Amid the dancing sparks, people pray for a safe and smooth year ahead.