Tiaohualan (carry a basket of flowers)

Tiaohualan is a form of dancing performed by the women in Zhouzhuang to celebrate the harvest, pray for safety, and express goodwill and happiness.

This dancing is accompanied by the music of string and woodwind instruments, melodious and smooth. The women dress in bright clothing, singing and dancing. The whole scene is full of happiness and joy.

Nowadays, Tiaohualan is not only a folk dance performed for tourists, but also a symbol of Zhouzhuang's stepping toward a high-GDP, well-off society.

Each dance has unique props. Most of the props are baskets decorated with delicate flowers, which are always arranged to be in the shape of a dragon. Other props may include bamboos which can make a silvery sound. Still others may be a decorated boat that a performer can pull onto their body to perform.

Performers usually dance to music with heavy Jiangnan rhythms which are gentle and slow. However，the performances can also be lively and cheerful.