Yangge Dance (Jiaozhou Yangge)

Jiaozhou Yangge originated in the Jiaozhou area of Qingdao, Shandong, as a folk song-and-dance passed down for generations, rooted in farming customs and festival celebrations, and counted among Shandong's three great yangge traditions.

The dance is known for its female movement, prizing the maxim of 'three bends, nine motions, eighteen postures'—twisting, turning and stretching the torso so that hips and steps combine into a supple yet sinewy rhythm—accompanied by suona and percussion.

Jiaozhou Yangge is a national-level item of intangible cultural heritage, embodying the aesthetics and spirit of Jiaodong folk art, an important window onto Shandong folk dance and a signature performance at local festivities.

It can be seen at traditional festivals, temple fairs and folk performances in the Jiaozhou area of Qingdao, where heritage bases also host rehearsal, teaching and exhibition.