The Deqing mulberry leaf dragon dance is staged as part of the prelude to the opening ceremony of the 4th Asian Para Games in Hangzhou on Oct 22. [Photo/hz66.com]

Two varieties of dragon dances from Huzhou were showcased as part of the prelude to the opening ceremony of the 4th Asian Para Games in Hangzhou on Oct 22.

One of the dragon dances was the mulberry leaf dragon dance, presented by a skilled team of 16 villagers from Jin'eshan village in Kangqian sub-district, Deqing county. The performance has been recognized as a provincial-level intangible cultural heritage in Zhejiang.

Tang Yongming, deputy secretary of the village's Party committee, disclosed that the dragon, which measured 22 meters in length and consisted of 11 sections, was crafted from woven bamboo strips. The dragon's scales took the form of mulberry leaves, adding a unique element to the spectacle.

The second performance from Huzhou was led by the Anji Disabled People's Art Troupe, comprised of 35 talented disabled actors. This performance, also acknowledged as a provincial-level intangible cultural heritage, showcased the Anji bamboo leaf dragon dance. The act incorporated over 20 diverse types of bamboo musical instruments such as bamboo tube zithers, bamboo flutes, and bamboo drums.

Gan Huifen, the dedicated instructor of the Anji Disabled People's Art Troupe, revealed that the entire team of disabled actors diligently prepared for over three months with the goal of delivering a flawless performance that would leave a lasting impact on the audience.

The Anji bamboo leaf dragon dance is staged as part of the warm-up to the opening ceremony of the 4th Asian Para Games in Hangzhou on Oct 22. [Photo/hz66.com]