The Living Spirit of Chinese Folk Performance

With the recent announcement of China's sixth batch of national intangible cultural heritage inheritors, Guangdong has become a focal point, with 58 individuals recognized for their dedication to preserving arts like Guangdong Lion Dance (广东醒狮), Cantonese Opera (粤剧), and Chaozhou Opera (潮剧).

Among these honorees are practitioners of some of China's most enigmatic folk traditions—Nuó Dance (傩舞), Qilin Dance (麒麟舞), and Panwang Festival (盘王节). Each of these embodies the resilience of Chinese folk culture, preserving both its mystical essence and regional identity. But what cultural significance do they hold? How do their inheritors sustain them in modern times? Let's step into the world of these mesmerizing traditions.

Nuó Dance: A Ritual Frozen in Time

"Nuó Dance is deeply rooted in our village's traditions. It has been passed down for generations, and everyone, from elders to children, participates with enthusiasm," says Peng Qiusheng, a newly recognized national inheritor from Jiuxian Village (旧县村) in Zhanjiang (湛江).

Nuó (傩), an ancient ritual performance, traces its origins back to the Zhou Dynasty (西周). It was initially a shamanistic practice to ward off evil spirits and seek divine blessings for favorable weather and bountiful harvests. Over centuries, it evolved into a dramatic art form encompassing dance, theater, and religious ceremonies. Nuó performers don elaborate wooden masks, symbolizing deities or ancestral spirits, as they dance to rhythmic drumbeats.

Today, Nuó Dance faces the challenge of modernization. "We must preserve it in its original form—this is the 'cold storage' phase, where we document and study its history," explains Zhu Weiguo, Vice President of the Guangdong Folklore Research Association. "Then, we 'heat it up'—bringing it back to life in ways that resonate with contemporary audiences."

Peng envisions integrating Nuó Dance into cultural tourism, offering regular performances for visitors. "During festival periods, crowds gather just to watch Nuó Dance. It would be incredible to share this experience with people beyond our village," he says, determined to ensure the dance remains a living tradition rather than a museum relic.

Qilin Dance: The Mythical Beast Leaping

If the lion symbolizes courage and strength in southern China, then the Qilin (麒麟), a legendary beast of Chinese mythology, embodies wisdom and prosperity. The Qilin Dance of Zhangmutou Town (樟木头镇) in Dongguan (东莞) is a testament to the enduring spirit of the Hakka (客家) people, who carried their cultural traditions through centuries of migration.

Liu Weituan, a master performer and newly honored inheritor, recalls his decades-long journey in keeping the dance alive. "I started teaching Qilin Dance in my village when I was just 23. Now, over 30 years later, we have students from all walks of life—young and old, locals and outsiders. It is heartwarming to see their enthusiasm."

Unlike the Lion Dance, which focuses on acrobatics, Qilin Dance emphasizes storytelling. The dance movements depict tales of Hakka ancestors, their struggles, and their hopes for peace and prosperity. Even today, it remains an integral part of religious ceremonies and festive celebrations, such as Chinese New Year and temple fairs.

Beyond tradition, the town of Zhangmutou is merging culture with tourism. It has earned the title "China's First Writers' Village" (中国作家第一村), attracting literary minds alongside cultural enthusiasts. As heritage meets modernity, Liu sees an opportunity: "By weaving the Qilin legend into new creative mediums—books, films, and live performances—we can ensure its survival for generations to come."

Panwang Festival: A Sacred Bond to Mythical ancestor

Every year, the Yao (瑶族) people celebrate Panwang Festival, a grand occasion honoring their mythical ancestor, Panwang (盘王). This deeply spiritual event, marked by singing, dancing, and ritual sacrifices, is the cornerstone of Yao cultural identity.

Deng Jingwan, at 73 years old, has been practicing Panwang rituals since he was 28. Recognized as a national inheritor, he believes his duty is to pass on the sacred rites. "Without Panwang Festival, our Yao customs would fade. Our ancestors endured countless hardships; this festival is our way of remembering them."

In Ruyuan Yao Autonomous County (乳源瑶族自治县), the festival extends beyond ritualistic ceremonies. Tourists and scholars flock to witness its grandeur, drawn by its vibrant music and the breathtaking "Climbing the Knife Mountain" (上刀山) performance—a test of bravery where performers ascend ladders made of sharp blades, showcasing their indomitable spirit.

However, cultural commercialization presents a dilemma. "On one hand, exposure helps keep the tradition alive," says folklore expert Deng Xionghua. "But on the other, we must safeguard its original meaning. The core of Panwang Festival isn't just performance—it's a sacred connection between the Yao people and their ancestry."

Beyond the Spectacle: The Future of China's Intangible Heritage

In the age of short videos and viral trends, people often chase after "explosive" cultural phenomena. But not every heritage needs to be a viral sensation to be meaningful.

Nuó Dance is more than just masks and movements—it reflects the ancient human need to seek divine protection. Qilin Dance is more than just folklore—it embodies the resilience of a migratory people. Panwang Festival is more than just a festival—it is an unbroken link to the Yao people's origins.

The challenge is not only preserving these traditions but also ensuring they evolve without losing their essence. "Our goal isn't to make them 'trendy,'" says Deng Xionghua. "It's to make sure they are never forgotten."