At around 9 a.m. on February 15, the powerful beats of Yingge drums echoed through Terminal 3 of Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport, drawing crowds of Spring Festival travelers to a stop.
It was just two days before the Chinese New Year, at the peak of the annual travel rush. Amid the flow of passengers heading home stood a striking group of young performers in colorful costumes and painted faces — the 26-member Fumei Youth Yingge Team from Puning, Guangdong.
Organized by the Department of Culture and Tourism of Guangdong Province, the troupe is traveling to Russia and Spain during the 2026 Spring Festival to take part in local "Happy Chinese New Year" celebrations and cultural exchange events. Before departure, they staged a lively flash-mob performance at the airport, offering festive greetings and inviting global audiences to "Celebrate the Chinese New Year in Guangdong."
Culture and craft go global
This European tour is about more than the high-energy dance. At the send-off ceremony, a Xiangyunsha fashion showcase followed the drum performance, presenting the elegance of Lingnan silk craftsmanship alongside the vibrancy of traditional dance.
Also traveling abroad are Guangdong-made cultural products, including Guangcai (Cantonese porcelain) tea sets, Guangxiu (Cantonese embroidery) works, and creative souvenir items. Together, they present both the festive spirit and refined lifestyle aesthetics of southern China.
Officials say the initiative reflects a long tradition of Guangdong commerce engaging the world, while highlighting the province's cultural confidence in the new era. This marks the third consecutive year that Yingge has been organized for overseas Spring Festival exchanges. Previous performances in the United Kingdom, Germany, and France have helped transform the folk art from the Chaoshan region into an increasingly recognized cultural ambassador.
Bringing the heat to freezing Moscow
Coach Li Junhao said the team selected its most experienced performers for Europe, though their average age is only 19 or 20. Many have trained in Yingge for over five years, mastering demanding martial arts routines and acrobatic techniques.
For this tour, the team has prepared for longer performances—up to ten minutes—requiring exceptional stamina. An even bigger challenge awaits them in Moscow, where they are expected to perform outdoors in sub-zero temperatures. "We've never danced Yingge in weather this cold," Li said. "It's a huge challenge, but we're excited."
As the fiery drums of Yingge prepare to sound against Europe's winter backdrop, Guangdong's cultural heritage and creative brands are once again stepping onto the global stage, carrying with them the warmth of the Chinese New Year.
Reporter: Li Fangwang
Video & Poster & Photo: Li Fangwang
