Explore Zhangjiajie in Folk Customs: Sangzhi Battle-Drum Dance

Zhangjiajie in Hunan Province is home to a variety of ethnic minorities. Various distinctive folk customs of of these ethnic groups have been passed down from generation to generation, and are being promoted through the integration of culture and tourism.

Sangzhi Battle-Drum Dance

Battle-Drum Dance, a traditional dance in Sangzhi County, has been listed as a national-level intangible cultural heritage.

It is performed by male dancers of Bai ethnic minority. The dancers hold battle drums in their hands, performing intricate and dynamic dance movements accompanied by drums, gongs, and cymbals. A battle-drum dance typically involves at least six dancers, and sometimes 10 to 20. Audiences are welcomed to participate, often engaging in impromptu dancing using sticks or tobacco stems instead of battle drums. As the performance reaches its climax, the crowd shouts hooray to cheer for the performers, creating a rapturous atmosphere.

On May 23, 2011, Sangzhi Battle-Drum Dance was shortlisted for the third batch of the national-level intangible cultural heritage items.