During the Dragon Boat Festival holiday, an immersive intangible cultural heritage (ICH) parade will be held at Sunwen West Road Pedestrian Street in Zhongshan. Featuring a range of ICH items recognized at the national, provincial, and municipal levels, the event will offer visitors a unique opportunity to experience the charm of traditional folk culture up close.
Shiqi Competitive Dragon Dance
The dragon dance tradition in Zhongshan dates back to the Tang Dynasty and flourished during the Ming and Qing dynasties. Its main forms include the Drunken Dragon Dance, Bench Dragon Dance, and Competitive Dragon Dance. The Shiqi Competitive Dragon Dance places particular emphasis on choreographed movements and is a distinctive art form that blends martial arts, gongs and drums, traditional opera, and dragon dance.
Liufang Yunlong Dance
The Liufang Yunlong Dance is a traditional folk dance from Liufang Village in Guzhen Town, Zhongshan, with a history spanning more than 300 years. The dragon is constructed from bamboo strips and illuminated from within after dark, creating a glowing effect, and dancers blend into the scene and seem invisible to onlookers. As the dragon twists and soars through the air, it appears to glide among the clouds. The performance features 14 classic routines and combines martial arts, dance, and traditional blessing rituals.
Shiqi Illuminated Lion Dance
As one of the highlights of the parade, the illuminated lion is adorned with colorful LED lights that sparkle after dark. Through lively leaps and expressive movements, the performance offers a vibrant display of local folk culture.
Bamboo Dragon and Phoenix Dance
The Bamboo Dragon and Phoenix Dance is one of Zhongshan's most representative traditional folk performances, embodying the distinctive character and auspicious symbolism of Lingnan culture. Fitted with bamboo frames and silk ribbons, the dragon and phoenix figures are fixed on tall poles, with one performer controlling each prop. As they soar gracefully through the air to the rhythm of gongs and drums, the performance conveys traditional wishes for harmony and prosperity.
Ribbon Dragon Dance
The Ribbon Dragon Dance, also known as the "Swinging Dragon," is a recreational activity evolved from traditional dragon dances. Combining basic and advanced skills, performers use coordinated arm swings, footwork, and body gestures to create vivid, dynamic movements that showcase the spirit and agility of the dragon.
Huangpu Qilin Dance
The Huangpu Qilin Dance is a traditional animal dance with a long history in Huangpu Town. Evolved from ancient totem worship, it has become a classic folk art performed during festivals and other celebrations. It is known for its graceful movements and majestic appearance.
Shengshi Phoenix Dance
The Shengshi Phoenix Dance originated in Shengshi Village, Shaxi Town. It was created by local villagers around 1750, during the reign of Emperor Qianlong in the Qing Dynasty, drawing inspiration from the local environment and folk beliefs. The dance symbolizes good fortune and blessings.
Eight Immortals Crossing the Sea
Dressed in traditional opera costumes, folk performers portray the Eight Immortals as they parade along the streets, vividly recreating the classic legend of the Eight Immortals Crossing the Sea. With flowing costumes and lively character portrayals, the procession conveys wishes for happiness, prosperity, and good fortune.
Time: 6:30 pm to 7:30 pm, June 19 to 21
Venue: Sunwen West Road Pedestrian Street (孙文西路步行街)
Author: Liu Yue
Photo: Nanfang Plus
