Longchang County in Sichuan Province became a tapestry of color and motion this week as 13 elaborate dragon lanterns snaked through its streets, marking one of 2026's most visually striking cultural celebrations. The annual Shuangfeng Dragon Lantern parade – recognized as a provincial-level intangible cultural heritage – drew crowds exceeding 200,000 visitors, blending spiritual tradition with community pride.
Local performers carried the intricately crafted dragons across kilometers of urban terrain, their synchronized movements creating flowing patterns said to invoke prosperity and harmony. The event holds particular significance in 2026 as communities across the Chinese mainland increasingly balance heritage preservation with modern tourism development.
"This isn't just spectacle – each dragon's path follows centuries-old ritual geography," explained cultural preservationist Li Wei, noting how the parade route connects historic temples with modern civic centers. For business observers, the event highlights Sichuan's growing soft power potential, with cultural tourism contributing significantly to regional economic plans this year.
