Yingge Dance 英歌舞
A Traditional Chinese Warrior Dance from Chaoshan, Guangdong
Watch a Short Clip of Yingge Dance👇
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## What Is Yingge Dance?
Yingge Dance is a traditional folk dance from the Chaoshan region of Guangdong Province, China, combining elements of theatre and martial arts. In 2006, it was officially recognized as a National Intangible Cultural Heritage of China.
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Originating during the Ming and Qing dynasties, Yingge Dance has since developed into a variety of regional styles.
Typical formations consist of 36 or 72 performers, with some troupes reaching up to 107 dancers.
Dancers are elaborately costumed as heroic figures from the classic novel Water Margin (Outlaws of the Marsh), wielding paired wooden batons and performing to the powerful rhythms of gongs and drums.
Based on tempo, it is commonly classified into fast-, medium-, and slow-tempo forms, all characterized by a bold, masculine, and powerful aesthetic.
Yingge Dance is traditionally performed during ritual processions and temple festivals, where it serves as a symbolic path-opener for the deities, embodying the values of upholding righteousness, dispelling evil, and welcoming good fortune.
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## Where Can I See Yingge Dance in Person?
Even today, Yingge Dance continues to play a vital role in rituals, festivals, and celebratory events across the Chaoshan region.
If you visit Chaoshan (Shantou, Chaozhou, or Jieyang) during major festivals, especially Chinese New Year, you can experience some of the most authentic folk performances of Yingge Dance.
If you happen to miss the festival season, don’t worry.
Yingge Dance is also regularly performed at cultural venues in Chaoshan, including:
- Chaozhou Fucheng Yingge Dance Hall
府城英歌舞馆
- Shantou Chaoshan Historical and Cultural Museum
潮汕历史文化博览馆
- Shantou Chen Cihong Former Residence
陈慈黉故居
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In recent years, Yingge Dance troupes have increasingly performed beyond their home region. Today, you can also experience Yingge Dance in other parts of China and overseas.
Performances have already taken place in countries such as France, Germany, the United Kingdom, Dubai (UAE), Thailand, and Malaysia, with more destinations to come.
Stay tuned as Yingge Dance continues its journey—bringing this powerful tradition to stages around the world.