Introduction to Centipede Dance

Centipede dance is a folk dance of Han nationality in Guangdong. It originated from the period from Tongzhi to Guangxu in the Qing Dynasty, and was pioneered by Chen Chengjin, a native of Ximen Township, and his friend Shi Wenyong. It is a square large animal dance. Once it came out, it became popular among people and has been passed down to this day. It is now a traditional art performance project owned by Yonghe Garden of Ximen Community Neighborhood Committee, Chenghai District, Shantou City. In June 2008, the centipede dance declared by Chenghai District, Shantou City, Guangdong Province was approved by the State Council and included in the second batch of national intangible cultural heritage lists. 1