The Zhejiang Provincial Selection Trials for the Dragon and Lion Dance Display at the 15th National Games, themed “I Want to Compete at the National Games,” concluded successfully at Maitreya Sacred Altar Square in Xikou Town, Fenghua District, Ningbo on the afternoon of March 2nd. The event also doubled as the 2025 Zhejiang Dragon & Lion Dance Open (Fenghua Station). Thirty-nine dragon and lion dance teams from cities including Hangzhou, Wenzhou, Taizhou, Jiaxing, Huzhou, and Ningbo competed for qualification. After rigorous evaluation by the provincial selection expert panel, TU’s Dragon Dance Team and Lion Dance Team were chosen to represent Zhejiang Province in the freestyle dragon dance and northern lion dance freestyle categories at the National Games’ mass exhibition events.

Teaming up with the Taizhou Dragon Dance Team, TU’s squad delivered a stellar performance, securing two gold medals in the freestyle routine and speed dragon dance categories. Their freestyle routine, titled “Dragon Soars in a Prosperous Era,” blended traditional techniques with modern artistry, showcasing fluid movements and cultural depth through soaring twists and turns, earning the highest score from judges. In the speed category, the team stormed through the course with lightning precision, flawless teamwork, and unmatched velocity, embodying the “TU Speed” spirit.

The Lion Dance Team also shone brightly, claiming double victories in the northern lion freestyle and traditional categories. For the traditional routine, the team demonstrated impeccable fundamentals—nimble head movements, steady footwork, and a vivid portrayal of the lion’s “loyalty, righteousness, and reverence,” captivating both judges and audiences. Their freestyle performance broke new ground with a “martial arts meeting dance” choreography, integrating Taizhou’s local martial arts elements. The daring stunts and artistic flair culminated in a gold medal-winning showcase.

The achievements stem from relentless dedication by coaches and team members. Coaches Qin Yude, Luo Xiwen, and Ye Ting, long-term pioneers in dragon and lion dances education, crafted scientific training regimens. Members committed to twice-daily practices, refining every detail to perfect their routines.

TU has consistently championed traditional Chinese culture, integrating dragon and lion dances into its “Five-Education Integration” curriculum (moral, intellectual, physical, aesthetic, and labor education). Through its “classroom plus competition plus practice” model, the university aims to cultivate inheritors of intangible cultural heritage. In recent years, the teams have claimed over 10 international and national championships and dozens of provincial titles, cementing their status as a benchmark for dragon and lion culture in Zhejiang’s higher education.

Coaches and team members

Dragon Dance Competition highlights

Lion Dance Competition highlights

Award ceremony snapshots

Award ceremony snapshots