On April 2, a grand parade featuring performances of intangible cultural heritages from Yantian and Hong Kong was held in Zhongying Street Fish Lantern Square, which immersed Shenzhen and Hong Kong residents in the charms of the two cities’ profound histories and cultures.

Residents enjoys watching the “Hundred-People Dragon Dance.” 

The parade was launched with a Kylin dance that was followed by a Fish Lantern Dance, Dragon Dance, Lion Dance, Boating on Ground, and Waist Drum Dance.

The Fish Lantern Dance, a unique folk dance of Shalanxia Village in Shatoujiao, was a highlight of the parade. The Shatoujiao Fish Lantern Dance originated in the late Ming and early Qing dynasties and has a history of more than 300 years. The ancestors of the Wu people in Shalanxia Village were inspired by the movements of fish in the water and danced with fish-shaped lanterns as a form of worship in Hakka culture.

A lion dance performance is staged during the parade.

Fish Lantern Dance is a highlight of the parade.

Echoing the Shatoujiao Fish Lantern Dance, the “Hundred-People Dragon Dance” was performed by villagers of the Yanliaoxia Village in Sha Tau Kok, New Territories, Hong Kong.

In addition to the performances, the event also featured a bazaar where visitors could not only watch various cultural performances in the special show and parade, but also experience traditional crafts such as Donghe printmaking, fish lantern weaving, sugar figures making, lucky drums, sachets, straw weaving, wood carving, and playing cat’s cradle.