“Two Provinces, Four Cities” Yangko Gathering Lights Up Rushan’s Lantern Festival

WEIHAI, China, March 10, 2026 /Xinhua-AsiaNet/–

On March 3, the Lantern Festival, Rushan City launched the “Two Provinces, Four Cities” Yangko cultural exchange event. Three Yangko dance troupes from Yan’an in Shaanxi Province, Shanghe, Ji’nan and Haiyang, Yantai in Shandong Province, along with local teams from Rushan, gathered to present a vibrant cultural feast for residents and tourists through parades and staged performances.

The event opened with a spectacular performance of Rushan’s provincial-level intangible cultural heritage, “Fire Dragon Yangko.” The Xiaxi Village troupe’s performance of the “Double Dragon Spitting Fire” amazed the audience with its skill and spectacle, highlighting the unique charm of local folk artistry. Following this, the nationally recognized intangible cultural heritage – Ansai Waist Drum from Shaanxi – took the stage. Dressed in red sashes around their waists, the drummers moved with agile strides. Their powerful and energetic drumbeats showcased the grandeur of the “Number One Drum in China.” Team leader Jia Houqiang noted that the event was both a cultural showcase and a valuable chance to exchange and learn with fellow performers.

The parade set off from Dongfang Square, stopping at several performance points along the route. The Yangko from Quangang Village, Rushanzhai Town impressed with its rustic simplicity, while Shanghe Yangko charmed with its lively agility, and Haiyang Yangko captivated with its bold, unrestrained style. The diverse regional flavors of Yangko intertwined, earning rounds of applause from spectators.

Local resident Yang Li’ai expressed her excitement, remarking that this year’s Lantern Festival was exceptionally lively and hoping for more such cultural activities in her hometown.

The event concluded with a finale by the youth Yangko art troupe from Xiyuan School. Blending traditional Yangko with modern dance elements, the young performers innovatively choreographed formations like the “Sun Array,” which not only preserved classic charm but also infused youthful vitality. Student Sun Guojin shared that learning Yangko deepened his appreciation for local culture and pride in becoming a young coach in his village.

The cultural exchange event not only enriched Rushan’s Lantern Festival celebrations, but also created a platform for cross-regional folk art dialogue. Looking ahead, Rushan City will continuously leverage folk culture as a bridge to deepen cross-border cultural cooperation, promote the dynamic preservation of intangible heritage, and revitalize traditional arts.