A vibrant celebration of yangko dance kicks off in Yantai's Haiyang

The coastal city of Haiyang, a county-level city in Yantai, came alive on March 1 as thousands gathered for the 2026 Shandong Yangko Festival. With 20 troupes and over 1,000 dancers taking the stage, the event — paired with a lively local fair — offered a vibrant kickoff to spring while boosting cultural tourism and consumption.

The festival featured teams from across Shandong and neighboring provinces, creating a dynamic display of cultural exchange. The host troupe opened with a performance of the renowned Haiyang yangko, its dancers swaying, spinning, and leaping to the rhythm of pounding drums — their colorful ribbons cutting through the air as formations shifted and flowed. The performance captured the art form's signature blend of bold energy and rustic charm.

Dancers perform for a large audience during the 2026 Shandong Yangko Festival held in Haiyang, Yantai. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

As a national intangible cultural heritage with a history of over 600 years, the Haiyang yangko is known far and wide for its warm, unpolished, candid, and humorous character. Hosting the competition reflects Yantai's commitment to revitalizing its cultural roots while bringing fresh energy to traditional art forms.

Visiting troupes from Hebei, Liaoning, Shanxi, and beyond brought their own regional traditions to the coastal city, turning the event into a cross-cultural celebration.

Performers wearing vibrant traditional costumes present intricate dance formations at the event. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

"Yangko brings people from around the world together," said Jing Zhimin, leader of the Haiyang Longteng Yangko Troupe. "This isn't just a competition — it's a chance to learn from each other. That's what Chinese New Year is all about."

A dancer strikes a dynamic pose on a traditional red drum, drawing the attention of spectators. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Beyond the stage, a specialty fair offered visitors a taste of local culture — from Haiyang green tea to intricate paper-cutting art. The event showed how traditional arts can do more than just entertain — they can drive tourism, boost local businesses, and breathe new life into a city's cultural landscape.