The ancient Chinese art of stilt walking has found new life, particularly among young performers. As Lunar New Year approaches, this once-endangered folk tradition is seeing a resurgence, with Beijing actively encouraging its revival as part of a broader national effort to promote “cultural confidence” under President Xi Jinping’s leadership.
Stilt walking, a performance art with roots in Confucianism and Taoism, dates back hundreds of years and was historically used to celebrate festivals and honor local deities. However, during the Cultural Revolution, these cultural practices were suppressed, and the art form nearly vanished. Now, in the 21st century, young Chinese performers are embracing stilt walking as a way to reconnect with their heritage while navigating modern life’s pressures.
Guo Wenmiao, a 20-year-old engineering student from Shengfang, has been practicing stilt walking since his early teens. While his future aspirations lie in government service, he considers stilt walking his true passion, finding joy in seeing the happiness it brings to audiences. “When I see the happiness of the audience during performances, I feel that is what makes stilt walking valuable,” Guo said.
In northern China, folk performances like stilt walking are making a comeback in local festivals, including the Lunar New Year and the celebration of Mazu, the sea goddess. At one such festival, Guo and his fellow performers from the Xiaohexi Tongyi Stilt-Walking Club captivated the crowd, performing in colorful costumes, face paint, and headdresses. The stilt walkers acted out folk tales to the sounds of drums and gongs, a mix of storytelling, acrobatics, and humor that has proven popular among locals and tourists alike.
While these young stilt walkers are amateurs, they perform with the passion of seasoned professionals. Many of them began their training in childhood and have a deep sense of cultural pride in continuing the tradition. Guo Tongkai, the club’s 23-year-old lead performer, started stilt walking at the age of five and views it as a family tradition passed down through generations. The group’s performances often combine lively entertainment with spiritual elements, offering a unique cultural experience for festivalgoers.
The revival of stilt walking is not just a grassroots movement; Beijing’s government has also actively supported the resurgence of traditional arts and folk culture. As part of its “cultural confidence” campaign, the Chinese Communist Party has positioned itself as the custodian of China’s ancient cultural practices. UNESCO has recognized many of these intangible cultural traditions, including stilt walking, as part of the official Chinese heritage.
This governmental support has spurred the growth of “intangible heritage” tours for the Lunar New Year, as travel agencies and influencers help popularize these traditions. Douyin, China’s version of TikTok, has even awarded prizes to influencers who have promoted folk culture, drawing more attention to these art forms.
In rural areas like Shengfang, where stilt walking is particularly popular, local authorities have embraced the art form as a way to boost tourism and reinvigorate the economy. The town has transformed into an “ancient town,” attracting visitors with its traditional performances and historical charm.
For many young performers, stilt walking offers not just a chance to connect with their heritage but also a sense of community and an escape from the stresses of modern life. Liu Bowei, a 23-year-old stilt walker, was drawn to the tradition for its opportunity to express himself outside of his family’s detergent business. While stilt walking is often associated with rural areas, in big cities like Beijing, the tradition has faded, as parents tend to prioritize activities that promise more direct success in competitive environments.
Despite the differing opinions on its place in modern society, stilt walking is proving to be a form of cultural expression that resonates with both rural and urban youth. It offers a way for them to celebrate their shared heritage while creating new bonds with each other and with audiences from all walks of life.
At festivals like those celebrating Mazu, stilt walkers add a mix of acrobatic skill, slapstick comedy, and folk storytelling that keeps crowds entertained and engaged. They bring a fresh take on the tradition, as younger performers inject humor and irreverence into their acts to keep them relevant and appealing to modern audiences.
