In the vibrant streets of Shantou, southern China, 40 young dancers, dressed in colorful costumes and painted faces, perform an energetic traditional dance to the beat of gongs and drums. This dynamic display, a mix of martial arts and Chinese opera, is part of the ancient “heroes” dance, which has deep cultural roots in Guangdong province and is a highlight of Lunar New Year celebrations.
“The energy is incredible! It’s so exciting to watch,” said Wang Mei, a 50-year-old tourist visiting for the Chinese New Year, which begins on January 29, marking the Year of the Snake.
The dancers, aged between 12 and 30, bring the performance to life as they clash sticks together in front of a small wooden temple. Their movements are followed by tens of thousands of online viewers across platforms like Douyin (the Chinese version of TikTok), where the performance has gained increasing popularity in recent months.
The Yingge dance, meaning “songs of heroes,” originated in the cities of Shantou and Chaozhou in Guangdong. Often performed during festive events such as the Lunar New Year to bring good luck, the dance draws inspiration from legendary Chinese tales, including the famous Ming dynasty novel “Water Margin.”
For the people of Guangdong, the dance represents more than just a performance; it is a source of pride, preserving the traditional culture of the region. “In other parts of China, there’s less of a New Year atmosphere. Here, it’s unique. We came especially to watch this dance,” said Wang, expressing her admiration for the regional tradition.
As urbanization and modernization change lifestyles across China, many traditional practices are fading, such as the banning of firecrackers in some cities due to safety concerns. “Younger people often work far from their hometowns and don’t pass down traditions as much,” said Hua Jie, 52, who traveled from Nanjing after seeing videos of the dance on Douyin.
Registered as a national intangible cultural heritage in 2006, the Yingge dance continues to captivate younger generations. Zheng Guangyan, a 25-year-old math teacher and dancer, shared the feeling of pride and vitality that comes with performing. “When we put on these outfits, we feel really cool,” he said, adding that 130,000 viewers tuned in to watch his troupe’s recent performance online.
The Yingge dance remains a testament to Guangdong’s rich cultural heritage, blending ancient tradition with modern-day digital platforms, keeping it alive for both local audiences and global viewers alike.
