Celebrated as a national intangible cultural heritage, Yingge Dance is a vibrant traditional folk art originating from Guangdong's Chaoshan region, with strong followings in Hong Kong and Thai communities as well. Blending dynamic movements from southern Chinese martial arts, opera, and dance, this group street performance is often called the "Chinese Warrior Dance" for its powerful, rhythmic energy.
Dancers dressed as heroes from the classic novel, Water Margin, wield paired wooden sticks, striking them to vigorous drumbeats while moving in elaborate formations. More than just festive entertainment, Yingge Dance symbolizes courage, justice, and the victory of good over evil.
Staged at Chinese New Year and local folk festivals, it carries people's sincere wishes for good fortune in the upcoming year.
Chaoyang District, Shantou
Chaoyang Yingge Dance is renowned worldwide for its bold and vigorous style, and was once hailed as "the iconic dance of Han Chinese men". It has a wide reach and strong influence, with nearly every town and subdistrict boasting its own Yingge troupe, each in distinct styles and age groups. Today, the locals have introduced a new form of male-female duels, and the Ximen Women's Yingge Troupe has risen to prominence, giving performances in Germany and France.
Event Date: 09:00-12:00 February 21, 2026
Location: Chaoyang Yingge Dance Carnival from Wenguang Tower Square to Chaoyang Sports Center, Chaoyang District, Shantou City
The Former Residence of Chen Cihong, Shantou
The Former Residence of Chen Cihong is located in Qianmei Village of Shantou City. As part of the WangLee Family's legacy, the mansion is renowned as the "No.1 Overseas Chinese Mansion in Lingnan." It has introduced the Yingge Dance performance since 2024, allowing global visitors to witness the thunderous Yingge Dance amid the time-honored historic architecture.
Event Date: 10:30-10:45, 14:30-14:45 January-December, 2026
Location: Former Residence of Chen Cihong, Qianmei Village, Longdu Town, Chenghai District, Shantou City
Puning City, Jieyang
Puning Yingge Dance originated from local people's enthusiasm for martial arts practice in their leisure time after work, which is a way to relieve fatigue and build physical strength. It later evolved into a "singing Yingge" form, inspired by the Song Dynasty (960-1279 AD) tale of the Liangshan heroes attacking Daming Prefecture. Passed down through generations, it has grown into an outstanding folk traditional dance in southern China.
Event Date: February 18-19, 2026
Location: Parade along the main avenue, Puning City, Jieyang City
Chengqu District, Shanwei
Jiazi Yingge Dance, a traditional folk worship ritual, was introduced to Jiazi Town in Lufeng from Fujian Province during the early Ming Dynasty (circa 1368 AD). The dance features 107 heroes, one fewer than the 108 Liangshan heroes depicted in the classic novel. Primarily performed in plazas and parades, it exudes a strong rural atmosphere. This year, interactive folk activities accompany the performances, allowing visitors to enjoy free face-painting sessions and win folk cultural souvenirs.
Event Date: February 17-February 20, 2026
Location: Erma Road, Chengqu District, Shanwei City
Reporter丨Zhou Jiyin
Editor | Yin Juewen
Poster丨Yang Chenyue