Dragon dance has its nicknames such as "Run with Dragon Lantern in Hands" or "Dance with Dragon Lantern in Hands. " It is one of the activities with the national characteristics of China. The dragon lantern is usually made of thin bamboo strips, silk and lanterns. The head, body and tail of a dragon is first made with the bamboo strips, the thin and transparent silk is clung to the strips, and then paint the palpus, scales and paws on the silk. The dragon lanterns have different length. Usually the shorter ones have three parts, and the longer ones have more than ten, but they are mainly odd number. Under each part of the dragon lantern, a handle is installed for the players to hold. In the end, light up the lamps in each part of it, and then a dragon lantern is finished.

When dancing with the dragon lantern in hands, one person holds a pearl-like thing runs in front, and the whole dragon will follow it. It demands strength and skills. Of all the performers, the ball-holder, the head-holder and the tail-holder are the most important. The ballholder equals to a commander, and he must care for the movements of the whole dragon lantern. The head-holder is the core of the lantern, and his movements will influence the coordination of the whole dragon. The tail-holder often has to perform movements such as rolls, prances and so on, but he could not see the movements of others so he can only rely on the regular training and act according to certain pattern.

Dragon dance is an activity developed from the dragon totem, the activity of dancing with the dragon in hands and the dragon lanterns enjoyment.

Dragon dance existed in the period of Ming and Qing dynasties. It is usually performed in the traditional days such as the Spring Festival and the Mid-autumn Festival accompanied by other games such as firework, monkey performance, tightrope walking and circus etc.

Up to now, dragon lanterns have already stepped out of the country and dance among the overseas in the world. It is an outstanding mark of the Chinese cultures.