In 2015, Tong traveled to various places to learn the art of lion dance, visiting performers in other regions such as Shandong and Anhui provinces and the Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region.

He began promoting the dance after returning, only to realize the limitation of working alone on the path of cultural revitalization.

Tong came to the conclusion that he needed to start from the very foundation of tradition and culture – people, and to teach children the art of lion dance.

In 2017, Tong recruited young students with the support of local authorities and the Qiantong central primary school.