A Shuagetang (literally "singing party") event of the Yao ethnic group was held at Getang Ping in Youling Village, Sanpai Town, Liannan Yao Autonomous County, Qingyuan City, Guangdong Province, on December 7, 2025.
As a key part of the "King Pan Festival," the most important traditional celebration of the Liannan Yao people, the Shuagetang (耍歌堂) event blends ancestor worship, harvest celebration, and folk entertainment.
Dressed in vibrant traditional attire, the Yao community welcomed visitors from near and far to share in this rich intangible cultural heritage experience.
The event commenced with the rituals of "Ancestor Worship, Deity Parade, and Walking out of Getang." The deity parade procession meandered along the field ridges in an "S" shape, retracing the migration path of the Yao ancestors. After arriving at the Yao cultural heritage base—Getang Ping—a series of spectacular cultural performances unfolded, including the traditional long-drum dance.
Approaching noon, participants joined hands to form a circle, stepping to drumbeats in a lively dance. Tourists spontaneously joined in, bringing this intangible cultural heritage feast to a perfect conclusion.
The Long-Drum Dance
A visitor poses for a photo with a member of the Yao ethnic group.
Author | He Fengyu
Photo | Nanfang Plus
Editor | Liu Lingzhi, James Campion, Shen He
