Pinghu Paper Dragon Dance

Provincial ICH
Origin

The Pinghu paper dragon dance comes from the Pinghu area of Longgang in Shenzhen, a dragon-dancing custom passed down by the local Cantonese residents; the dragon's body is built from bamboo strips and paper, hence the name paper dragon.

The art form

At the Spring Festival and major celebrations, villagers dance the paper dragon through the streets to gongs and drums, a wish to drive off ill fortune and bring blessings, good weather and peace to the whole community.

Cultural significance

The Pinghu paper dragon dance is listed in Guangdong's provincial intangible heritage, one of the representative Cantonese dragon-dance customs of Shenzhen.

Where to experience

It is performed mainly in the villages and neighbourhoods of Pinghu in Longgang.

Pinghu Paper Dragon Dance — China Intangible Cultural Heritage · 1000usdinchina