In Lin'an, a land rich in historical heritage in Hangzhou, a unique dragon dance art form known as the Lin'an Water Dragon has been passed down through generations. This traditional performance art not only carries profound cultural significance but is also a shining jewel in the tapestry of Chinese traditional culture. With its distinctive performance style, deep cultural meanings, and strong regional characteristics, Lin'an Water Dragon has garnered wide acclaim from audiences both domestically and abroad, becoming a cultural emblem of Lin'an and Hangzhou.
Origins and Legends
The origins of the Lin'an Water Dragon can be traced back to the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms period, during the reign of the Kingdom of Wuyue. It is said that when King Qian Liu of Wuyue was born, a jade dragon appeared in the sky. Later, during his rule, the kingdom prospered, and the people revered him as the Sea Dragon King, a deity who could control the weather and protect the realm. In gratitude for his efforts in building water conservancy systems, promoting agriculture, and ensuring the welfare of the people, the residents along the Tiaoxi River created the Water Dragon as a tribute to King Qian. They would dance the Water Dragon during celebrations and festivals to honor his contributions. It is within this historical context that the Lin'an Water Dragon came to be, becoming an important event for the people of Lin'an to pray for peace and celebrate the harvest.
Lin'an Water Dragon first spread in Qiukou Village, Banzhou Town, Lin'an City. Banzhou Town is located on the shores of Qingshan Lake, known for its scenic beauty. Qiukou Village, in the northwest of Banzhou, borders the New Cheng district of Fuyang and has long held the tradition of dragon dancing. Among them, the "Lin'an Water Dragon" from the Qingtangtou Village of Qiukou stands out as the most impressive. The performers are all local villagers, who, with their exquisite skills and heartfelt emotions, bring the water dragon to life.
Performance Style and Characteristics
Lin'an Water Dragon is unique in both its performance style and design. The dragon's body is over 50 meters long, much larger than typical dragons, with a circumference of 120 centimeters. The dragon head and tail consist of 17 sections, and the entire water dragon glistens as a long blue silk cloth, measuring 45 meters long and 1.5 meters wide, is attached to its body. As the golden dragon enters the water, its head rises and roars, and the blue silk gradually emerges, creating the illusion of a majestic dragon leaping and soaring among the waves.
The performance of Lin'an Water Dragon is characterized by its emphasis on the interplay of "water," creating a stunning visual effect. The performance routines include "Dragon's Birth from Water," "Playing with Waves," "Absorbing Water Vapor," and "Bringing Beneficial Rain." These routines not only reflect local folk culture but also showcase refined artistic elegance. Performers engage in challenging movements such as "Segment Jumps," "Golden Dragon Soaring," and "360-degree Spirals," bringing the dragon's various forms and postures to life. Notably, once the golden dragon enters the water, movements like "Fish and Dragon in Harmony," "Golden Dragon Spitting Water," and "Dragon Boat Race" create a powerful, exhilarating spectacle that captivates audiences.
The music accompanying the Lin'an Water Dragon is also distinctive, utilizing traditional instruments such as suona, gongs, and drums, though modern musical elements can also be incorporated. The dance requires more than ten people to control, demanding both strength and skill from the performers.
Preservation and Development
As a part of Hangzhou’s intangible cultural heritage, Lin'an Water Dragon has long been the focus of efforts to ensure its preservation. However, due to the challenges posed by the modern economy, where many rural youth leave to work in cities, the traditional art form has faced obstacles in being passed down to new generations. Recognizing these challenges, local governments and cultural departments have placed great emphasis on protecting and preserving this heritage.
In 2011, with support from various sectors, Qiukou Village invested 2.3 million yuan to build the Lin'an Water Dragon Cultural Center. The project spans 2,000 square meters, with a 1,452-square-meter building and a 1,000-square-meter training area. The "Water Dragon Exhibition Hall" features displays of artifacts, photographs, and text that detail the origins, transmission, and development of Lin'an Water Dragon, allowing people to gain a more comprehensive understanding of this traditional art form. The village committee has taken measures to safeguard and pass down this intangible cultural heritage, including the establishment of a long-term leadership mechanism to protect the art and cultivate new dragon dance talents.
In recent years, Lin'an Water Dragon has continued to grow and innovate. Cultural organizations, such as the Lin'an Cultural Center and Banzhou Town, have formed new performance teams, integrating both veteran performers and younger participants. By incorporating new elements into the traditional performances, they have enriched the art form while maintaining its authenticity.
Honors and Impact
Lin'an Water Dragon has garnered numerous accolades for its artistic excellence, including the Gold Award at Hangzhou's "Feng Ya Song" Folk Art Competition, the International Friendship Cup at the Fifth China International Folk Art Festival, and the Gold Award at the 13th National Stars Awards and the National Folk Performing Arts Competition. The water dragon has performed at over 150 events, including the Shaoxing Rice Wine Festival, West Lake Longjing Tea Festival, Zhejiang Jinhua Art Festival, and Jiaxing Jiangnan Cultural Festival. In 2003, the Lin'an Water Dragon was invited to participate in the Nice Carnival in France, where it was the only Asian representative, earning widespread acclaim from the French audience.
The success of Lin'an Water Dragon has not only enriched Lin'an’s cultural landscape but also contributed significantly to the preservation and promotion of Chinese traditional culture. It has become a cultural symbol of Lin'an and Hangzhou, attracting many domestic and international tourists and boosting the local tourism industry.
In conclusion, as a cultural treasure of Hangzhou's Lin'an and a representative of intangible cultural heritage, the Lin'an Water Dragon will continue to carry the mission of preserving historical memory and cultural heritage, shining even brighter in the years to come.
Reference:
- Wang Shuqing. *Dragon and Lion Dances*. Jilin Publishing Group Co., Ltd. January 2013.
