National Culture Heritages in Guangxi (Dance)

Golden Gong Dance of the Yao

The Golden Gong Dance of the Yao ethnic group is popular in Tiandong county, Baise, Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region. It is a representative folk dance of the Bunu branch of the Yao ethnic group in Tiandong.

At first, the Golden Gong Dance was only used for folk activities, such as rewarding gods, offering sacrifices, and exorcising evil spirits. It later evolved into the main dance for celebrating New Year and the harvest. People in Tiandong sing and dance with the golden gong every year on Lunar New Year's Eve and May 29 of the lunar calendar.

The dance reflects the whole process of production, life, and emotions of the local Yao people. It is mainly composed of group dances. The number of dancers can be as few as three or five people, or as much as thousands of people. The grand scene always makes people feel the tension of life and the beauty of art.

On Nov 11, 2014, the Golden Gong Dance of the Yao ethnic group was approved by the State Council to be listed in the fourth batch of national intangible cultural heritages.

Yao people perform the Golden Gong Dance. [Photo/gx.people.cn]