Water dragon shines in an ancient town of SW China's Sichuan
Volunteers of the local culture center perform a water dragon dance at sunset in Zhouzi Ancient Town, Nanchong City, southwestern China's Sichuan Province, November 18, 2020. /CFP Photo

Volunteers of the local culture center perform a water dragon dance at sunset in Zhouzi Ancient Town, Nanchong City, southwestern China's Sichuan Province, November 18, 2020. /CFP Photo

Audiences pour water on the shirtless and barefoot dragon dancers decorated with willows, who try to avoid the water while dancing along. Pouring water represents respect and blessing, as well as an act to wash away all the evil and misfortune. /CFP Photo

Audiences pour water on the shirtless and barefoot dragon dancers decorated with willows, who try to avoid the water while dancing along. Pouring water represents respect and blessing, as well as an act to wash away all the evil and misfortune. /CFP Photo

The water dragon dance is a traditional ceremony to pray for rain and a good harvest, dating back to a thousand years ago. In 2006, it was included in the first batch of intangible cultural heritage list of Nanchong City. /CFP Photo

The water dragon dance is a traditional ceremony to pray for rain and a good harvest, dating back to a thousand years ago. In 2006, it was included in the first batch of intangible cultural heritage list of Nanchong City. /CFP Photo

Traditionally, the water dragon is made of bamboo, decorated with willow, and put together with ropes, light in weight and easy to play with. /CFP Photo

Traditionally, the water dragon is made of bamboo, decorated with willow, and put together with ropes, light in weight and easy to play with. /CFP Photo