Longma, or L'esprit du cheval-dragon, presents its farewell performance to Hangzhou residents on March 7. [Photo/WeChat account: jrgs1921]

At 5:40 pm on March 7, with dusk yet to settle, Wulin Square was already bustling with waves of visitors. As four torches were ignited, a large mechanical art installation known as Longma, or L'esprit du cheval-dragon, became the focal point of the square.

Twenty minutes later, the farewell performance commenced.

Accompanied by music and orchestrated by over 10 engineers, the once-drooping device suddenly sprang to life. It began to move its head, blink its eyes, and occasionally emit mist. Then it wagged its ears and stuck out its tongue in lifelike gestures.

Introduced in 2014 to commemorate the 50th anniversary of China-France diplomatic relations, the installation was created through collaboration between over 100 artists and engineers from both countries. Crafted from anti-corrosion wood, it features a dragon's head and a horse's body, equipped with advanced mechanical and electronic control systems, showcasing top-notch global standards in scale, weight, artistic creation, craftsmanship, and technology.

Having debuted in Hangzhou on July 1 last year, followed by a parade performance in the bustling Wulin Square on Dec 16, the device has become an integral part of Hangzhou citizens' lives, garnering immense popularity.

Following the farewell show, it will be dismantled and sent to France to embark on a new tour.

Longma, or L'esprit du cheval-dragon, presents its farewell performance to Hangzhou residents on March 7. [Photo/WeChat account: jrgs1921]