A Spring Festival cultural event highlighting traditional heritage opened Feb. 18 in Nan'ao, Dapeng New District, drawing about 1,500 visitors from overseas and across mainland China to celebrate the Chinese New Year through folk performances and interactive rituals.

The Nan’ao Grass Dragon Dance. sznews.com

The event featured the provincial-level intangible cultural heritage performance of the Nan’ao Grass Dragon Dance, a centuries-old tradition rooted in the coastal fishing culture of southern China.

In the evening, parade teams including grass dragon performers, qilin dancers and lantern groups gathered outside the Tianhou Temple before beginning a festive procession. Visitors also participated in a blessing ritual, placing incense on the grass dragon and offering wishes for the new year.

The Nan’ao Grass Dragon Dance dates back to the Ming and Qing dynasties and has been preserved as a symbol of local maritime heritage. Local authorities said recent efforts combining cultural preservation with tourism development have helped revitalize the tradition, turning it into a signature cultural attraction that connects local communities with international audiences.