Quanzhou Chest-slapping Dance

National ICH · Batch 1
Origin

The Quanzhou chest-slapping dance is popular across the city and countryside and is thought to preserve the legacy of ancient Minyue ritual song and dance.

The art form

Dancers, often bare-chested and wearing a straw hoop, strike their chest, sides and thighs in turn with their hands to make sound, combined with stamping and swaying in a vivid, rugged rhythm.

Cultural significance

One of southern Fujian's most emblematic folk dances, seen at temple processions and festive occasions, it entered the first national ICH list in 2006.

Where to experience

It frequently appears in Quanzhou's folk street parades, festival processions and heritage showcases.

Quanzhou Chest-slapping Dance — China Intangible Cultural Heritage · 1000usdinchina