From near extinction to center stage: Guanxian's huachuan dance lives on

[Video provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

In Guanxian county, East China's Shandong province, which has a thousand-year history, there is a splendid intangible cultural heritage item known as huachuan, or land boat dancing, in Wangfanzhuang village.

Huachuan performances in Wangfanzhuang village are lively and colorful, featuring both boat dances and yangko dances (a popular rural folk dance in northern China). The performances includes boat riders, yangko teams, bands, and a wide variety of movements. They give audiences a chance to experience the rich local customs and culture.

The huachuan performance in Wangfanzhuang village was once on the brink of extinction. But in 2015, the traditional art form was officially revived by 24 people. In recent years, these people have participated in over a hundred performances, spreading their influence across Liaocheng and other places in Shandong.

With its unique performance style, artistic value, and historical and cultural significance, the Wangfanzhuang huachuan performance can be likened to a unique flower in the garden of China's intangible cultural heritage. (Edited by Xie Zhenzhen)