Chinese New Year Celebrations (2) | One Avenue | Shenzhen

Yingge Dance is a large, energetic folk group dance popular in eastern Guangdong—especially in Shantou, Chaozhou, Jieyang, and Shanwei—as well as Zhangzhou. It combines elements of southern Chinese martial arts and traditional opera. Performers usually appear in groups of 36, 72, or 108 people, holding short wooden sticks and striking them together in powerful, rhythmic movements while forming complex formations.

The dance celebrates bravery, teamwork, and the spirit of fighting against injustice. Some believe it was inspired by stories from the classic Chinese novel *Water Margin*. In 2006, Yingge Dance was listed as a National Intangible Cultural Heritage of China.