Chaocheng Nanguan Dragon Dance – Treasure of Shen County’s Intangible Cultural Heritage

LIAOCHENG, China, Jan. 6, 2025 /Xinhua-AsiaNet/–

The Chaocheng Nanguan Dragon Dance originates from Nanguan, Chaocheng Town, Shen County, Shandong Province. With a long and rich history, the dance features a dragon body that stretches 56 meters in length, accompanied by flower boats, wooden wheel carts, and other traditional elements. The dragon dance begins at the Lantern Festival and continues until the second day of the second lunar month. It serves not only as a form of entertainment but also as a means of bringing people together. As a major totem symbol of the Chinese nation, the dragon in this performance is believed to drive away evil spirits, ward off plagues, eliminate disasters, and bring blessings for peace, good harvests, and the safety of both people and livestock. The dance embodies the simple, heartfelt aspirations of the common people and their hopes for a better life.

During the Northern Expedition in the late Qing Dynasty (1853-1855), the advancing army passed through Chaocheng, where soldiers and locals celebrated together. The military trainers shared the dragon dance routines from their hometowns with the local dragon dance troupe, leading to the creation and refinement of 14 distinct dragon dance patterns. Many villagers, known for their singing and dancing talents, eagerly joined in, and the dragon dance troupe grew in strength, often being invited to perform at cultural events. In recent years, Guo Xianzhu, the inheritor of the Chaocheng Nanguan Dragon Dance, has revitalized the troupe and worked hard to preserve and promote this cherished tradition. He has organized numerous performances during festivals such as the Spring Festival and Lantern Festival, and participated in cultural and tourism events at various levels.