Quanzhou Chest-slapping Dance
National ICH · Batch 1Origin
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.