23rd Annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest Travel
The dragon soars in the prosperous era

The Qiaolin Firework Dragon in Guangdong Province, China, commonly known as "Burning the Dragon," originated in the Ming Dynasty and is a folk art activity in Jieyang City, Guangdong. Over thirty young people form a team to perform this dance, which involves numerous intricate routines. During the performance, the pearl-holder guides the dragon's head forward, while sparks fly from the body, head, and tail, creating a spectacular sight. As one of the traditional dragon dance forms, the Qiaolin Firework Dragon is characterized by its bold, fierce, and heroic style, embodying the unique essence of Chinese dragon culture.

Photo Detail
Date Taken: 02.2024
Date Uploaded: 12.2025
Photo Location: Jieyang, China
Camera: OPPO Reno6 Pro 5G
Copyright: © lin li