?Shanghe yangko dance captures attention at Times Square

english.jinan.gov.cn | Updated: 2025-02-12

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The Shanghe drum yangko dance has come to New York's Times Square. A video promoting the traditional dance was played on loop on the square's outdoor screens throughout the day, captured the attention of many US viewers.

The Shanghe drum yangko is a local traditional folk dance that originated in Shanghe county of Jinan, and has a history of nearly 2,000 years.

The yangko dance is performed in celebration of major festivals, such as Chinese New Year. Performers run in a certain dance formation instead of twisting, and martial arts moves are incorporated, with performers dancing to fierce drum music. It was included in the first batch of China's national intangible cultural heritage items in 2006.

In recent years, the Shanghe drum yangko has gained global recognition, being performed in over 10 countries, including South Korea, Japan, Sweden, Australia, New Zealand, and Indonesia. The art form has become a bridge in promoting cultural exchange and sharing Chinese traditions with a global audience.

A promotional video for Shanghe drum yangko is displayed on the outdoor screens of New York's Times Square, capturing the attention of passersby. [Photo/Jinan Daily]