“Martial arts meets lion dance”. That’s what comes to mind when we talk about the Shangchuan Huang Liansheng Lion Dance. It’s a unique performance linked to the monument of \u542f\u4e00\u9ec4\u516c\u7960.
Here, we stand before a place that echoes with the spirit of this captivating art form. The \u542f\u4e00\u9ec4\u516c\u7960 monument commemorates the legacy of the Shangchuan Huang Liansheng Lion Dance. It reminds us of its cultural importance. The lion dance gained popularity in the 1970s. This happened when local martial arts master Huang Liansheng created it.
Huang Liansheng was from Shangchuan Village. This village is in Xin’an Subdistrict, Bao’an District. It was built in the Ming Dynasty. Shangchuan is a typical Canton-style ancient village.
Now, imagine the scene. The vibrant colours, the rhythmic drumbeats, and the powerful movements of the dancers. The Huang’s lion dance sets itself apart. It roots its moves in martial arts. It showcases unarmed or weapon-based kung fu routines during performances. The dance features grand and vigorous movements. These movements showcase swift and agile footwork.
The Hakka people consider the kylin an auspicious symbol. It is a mythical creature from ancient Chinese folklore. The kylin dance expresses people’s yearning. They want a life filled with good fortune, prosperity and thriving business.
Another notable dance is the Dachuankeng Village Kylin Dance. It originated during the Ming Dynasty. This happened under the reign of Emperor Jiajing. It boasts a history of more than 600 years. The kylin prop is quite large. It measures 3 to 4 meters in length. The longest can reach up to 6 meters. The head is crafted with wood and bamboo. It features movable eyes and a mouth. The body is made of silk adorned with shiny scales.
Shenzhen has a history of less than half a century. It has gained recognition as a youthful and innovative city. It welcomes people from all corners of the world. Shenzhen boasts a rich array of intangible cultural heritages. There are 288 heritage items of various levels. Eight are national cultural treasures.
The Shatoujiao Fish Lantern Dance is another example. It is performed in Shalanxia Village. This Hakka village has a history of more than 300 years. The Wu ancestors lived by fishing. They developed a unique dance that incorporated the movements of fish. They performed the dance during festivals. They prayed for safety and reunion. In Hakka dialect, the pronunciation of “fish” is similar to “Wu”. The Wu Lantern Dance became known as the Fish Lantern Dance.
As you stand here, remember the \u542f\u4e00\u9ec4\u516c\u7960. It is more than just a monument. It is a symbol of Shenzhen’s cultural richness. The city values tradition. It embraces innovation. It moves forward into the future.