Ask a QuestionWhen traveling in Shantou, visitors often explore the old arcade buildings of Shantou Small Park, taste authentic Teochew cuisine, drink Gongfu tea, or visit historic overseas Chinese neighborhoods. However, if you want to experience the passion and spirit of Chaoshan culture, watching a Yingge Dance (英歌舞, Yingge Wu) performance is one of the most unforgettable activities.
With powerful movements, energetic drumbeats, colorful costumes, and dramatic facial makeup, Yingge Dance looks like a combination of folk dance, martial arts, and theatrical performance. It is not just a show for tourists but a living tradition deeply connected with local communities, festivals, and folk beliefs.
Originating from the Chaoshan region of Guangdong, Yingge Dance has a history of several hundred years. Today, it remains especially popular in Shantou, Chaoyang, Chenghai, and nearby areas. In recent years, this traditional performance has attracted increasing attention from younger generations and international travelers because of its dynamic style and strong visual appeal.
Yingge Dance is a traditional folk performance that combines dance, martial arts movements, opera elements, and percussion music. The name “Yingge” is often translated as “Heroic Song Dance,” reflecting its powerful and heroic atmosphere.
A typical Yingge Dance team consists of dozens of performers. Dancers usually hold short wooden sticks, moving them rhythmically while performing coordinated steps and formations. The sound of sticks hitting together, combined with drums and gongs, creates an exciting atmosphere.
The performers usually wear colorful costumes inspired by characters from the classic Chinese novel Water Margin (水浒传). Their faces are painted with bold patterns, making each character look powerful and dramatic.
Unlike many traditional dances that emphasize elegance and softness, Yingge Dance highlights strength, teamwork, and courage. The movements include:
Watching a Yingge Dance team move together creates a strong sense of rhythm and energy. Even visitors unfamiliar with Chaoshan culture can immediately feel the excitement of the performance.
Yingge Dance developed in the Chaoshan region, especially around today’s Shantou and Chaoyang areas. Although the exact origin is debated, most researchers believe it developed from traditional folk rituals and performances connected with local beliefs.
Historically, Yingge Dance was often performed during festivals, temple celebrations, and important community events. It was believed to bring good luck, drive away negative influences, and pray for peace and prosperity.
The connection with Water Margin is one of its most recognizable features. The performers often represent heroic figures from the story, symbolizing bravery and justice.
In Chaoshan villages, Yingge Dance is more than entertainment. It represents community unity. Preparing a performance requires cooperation among dancers, musicians, costume makers, and local residents. Many villages have their own Yingge teams, and young people often learn the movements from older generations.
In recent years, Yingge Dance has experienced a revival. Performances have appeared at cultural events, tourism attractions, and national celebrations, allowing more people to discover this traditional art form.
In Shantou, there are mainly two ways to experience Yingge Dance:
Depending on your travel style, you can choose the experience that suits you best.
Shantou Chaoshan Historical and Cultural Expo Center: The Most Comfortable Yingge Dance Experience
Chaoshan Historical and Cultural Expo Center is one of the best choices for first-time visitors who want to watch Yingge Dance comfortably. Located on Nanbin Road in Haojiang District, the center provides an indoor performance environment with air conditioning, making it a great option during hot summer days or rainy weather. The performances here are usually large-scale and energetic, allowing visitors to appreciate the full style of Yingge Dance without traveling to rural areas. The experience often includes additional Chaoshan cultural elements, such as local tea and traditional desserts, giving visitors a broader introduction to regional culture.
Performance information:
Performance time: Tuesday to Sunday at around 10:30 and 15:30
Extra shows may be added during summer vacation periods
Ticket price: around RMB 68 per person
Advance reservation through the official WeChat account is recommended
Closed on Mondays
This venue is especially suitable for:
Families with children
Elderly travelers
Visitors with limited time
Travelers who prefer a comfortable cultural experience
Shantou Small Park: Watch Yingge Dance Among Historic Arcades
Shantou Small Park offers one of the most atmospheric places to watch Yingge Dance. Located in the historic city center, Shantou Small Park is famous for its preserved arcade buildings, which reflect the city’s history as an important trading port. Watching Yingge Dance surrounded by old streets and traditional architecture creates a special experience. The combination of historic buildings, lively crowds, drum sounds, and colorful costumes makes visitors feel like they have entered an old Chaoshan festival.
Performances are usually arranged in the afternoon or evening, such as around:
15:30
20:00
(The exact schedule changes according to season and events.)
Visitors usually need to purchase a package ticket that may include the performance and a Gongfu tea experience. The price is around RMB 38 per person.
Tips:
Arrive about one hour early to find a good viewing position.
Evening performances usually offer better atmosphere and lighting for photography.
Combine the visit with nearby attractions, street food, and old buildings.
Hesheng Plaza Food Street: Watch Yingge Dance While Enjoying Local Food
Hesheng Plaza Food Street provides one of the easiest Yingge Dance experiences for travelers who also want to enjoy local cuisine.
Located on Changping Road in Longhu District, this indoor food street offers free performances without advance reservations.
The biggest advantage is convenience. Visitors can watch Yingge Dance and immediately explore local snacks afterward, making it a great combination of culture and food.
Regular performance times:
Around 12:30
Around 18:30
Additional weekend performances may be added around 16:30.
This experience is ideal for travelers who want a relaxed evening activity without arranging complicated transportation.
Experience Authentic Yingge Dance in Chaoyang Villages
For travelers who want the most authentic and energetic experience, visiting Chaoyang District during local training seasons or festivals provides a different perspective.
Chaoyang is considered one of the important hometowns of Yingge Dance. Many villages maintain their own teams and continue practicing traditional performances.
During summer vacation, especially July and August, many Yingge teams hold evening training sessions.
Around 19:30, performances and practices can often be seen in village parks or near ancient temples, including places such as:
Tacheng Shuangzhong Temple area
Xilong Ancient Temple
Fengdu Park
These training sessions are usually free to watch and provide a closer look at how dancers prepare.
Compared with fixed tourist performances, village training feels more spontaneous and authentic. Visitors can see young dancers practicing repeatedly, adjusting movements, and working together as a team.
For photography lovers, women’s Yingge teams are especially popular. Groups such as the Ximen Women’s Yingge Team and Houxi Women’s Yingge Team are known for their graceful movements and beautiful costumes.
However, visitors should note that these performances are outdoors. Heavy rain may cause cancellations, and transportation to villages can be inconvenient.
Yingge Dance During Spring Festival: The Most Spectacular Experience
If you visit Shantou during major holidays, especially the Spring Festival, you may have the chance to see large-scale Yingge Dance parades.
During festivals, villages in Chaoyang and Chenghai organize street performances where teams walk through neighborhoods while dancing.
Some parades include hundreds of performers moving through village streets, creating a spectacular atmosphere.
Popular areas include:
Chaoyang District
Chenghai District
Traditional village communities such as Gangkou Community
These public performances are usually free, but schedules and routes change every year. Visitors should check local announcements before visiting.
Because these events attract many spectators, arrive early if you want good viewing spots or better photography positions.
To enjoy the best Yingge Dance experience, keep these practical tips in mind:
Check Performance Schedules Before Visiting
Unlike museums or attractions with fixed opening hours, Yingge Dance schedules often change depending on festivals, weather, and local events.
Always confirm the latest information before traveling.
Choose the Right Experience for Your Travel Style
If you prefer convenience, choose:
Chaoshan Historical and Cultural Expo Center
Shantou Small Park
Hesheng Plaza
If you want authenticity and local atmosphere, consider:
Chaoyang village training sessions
Festival street parades
Respect Performers and Local Customs
Yingge Dance is a living folk tradition, not only a tourist performance. When watching village performances:
Avoid blocking dancers’ routes
Ask before taking close-up photos
Respect local event arrangements
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