西高崖底

Did the rhythmic clatter of bamboo poles and glowing fish lanterns ever grace the shores of 西高山底? Here in Shatoujiao, nestled in the Yantian District, the echoes of a vibrant Hakka tradition whisper through the generations. 西高山底, a seemingly unassuming locale, holds the key to a captivating cultural gem: the Shatoujiao Fish Lantern Dance. For over 300 years, the Wu clan, inhabitants of Shalanxia Village, have woven the story of their fishing heritage into the fabric of this unique dance. Imagine the ancestors of the Wu clan, casting their nets upon the South China Sea, their movements mimicking the graceful sway of the fish they sought. This dance, born from the rhythm of the waves and the pulse of their livelihood, became a prayer for safe voyages and joyful reunions. The Hakka word for “fish” resonates closely with “Wu,” the clan’s name, and so the Wu Lantern Dance transformed into the celebrated Fish Lantern Dance. The glowing fish, crafted from delicate paper and bamboo, dance in the twilight, their movements echoing the ebb and flow of the tide. In 2008, the Shatoujiao Fish Lantern Dance earned its place on the national intangible cultural heritage list. From the shores of 西高山底 to stages in Southeast Asia and Australia, this vibrant tradition continues to captivate audiences, carrying the spirit of the Wu clan and the heart of Shatoujiao across the globe. The Fish Lantern Dance, a beacon of Hakka heritage, illuminates the story of 西高山底, reminding us of the power of tradition and the enduring connection between people and their past.