The Bingyang Firecracker Dragon Dance in Nanning is a national intangible cultural heritage item dating back over 1,000 years. Every Chinese New Year, hundreds of "firecracker dragons" dance in the streets, bringing good luck to locals and visitors.

Behind this centuries-old tradition stand generations of dragon-making artisans. Master Gan, the fifth-generation inheritor, is busy leading his team crafting these festive dragons in his workshop. The process involves over a dozen intricate steps—from building the frame and painting the body to attaching scales and mounting the dragon pearl—each requiring skilled hands and teamwork.

Having learned the craft from his father as a child, Master Gan now brings over 30 years of experience to the art. As the tradition gains wider recognition, he preserves its essence while embracing innovation. He has redesigned the dragons to be lighter yet larger—making them easier to handle during performances while amplifying their visual impact, a tweak that has won over both dancers and audiences.

To ensure the craft lives on, Master Gan has documented the techniques in a manual for future generations to study. Meanwhile, he is actively mentoring apprentices, passing on not just skills but a legacy.