A land boat performance takes place on the streets of Yanqing. Locals often come out and gather on the street as soon as they hear the music of the performance.

 

In Yanqing District of Beijing, people can watch the folk “land boat” performances at every major festival and ceremony. The Yanqing land boat performance is a folk dance that utilizes boats carried by performers. It is meant to evoke the impression of boating in water.

This performance is also popular in Shaanxi, Shanxi and Hebei provinces as well as other regions, where it is called other names such as “lotus gathering boat” and “lake swing boat.” Yanqing “land boat” performances were derived from the culture of the Beijing suburb of Yanqing, where troops were stationed. The performances have become a distinguishing feature in Yanqing culture.
 

“Land boating” is a comprehensive folk art. Though it manifests in dance, it also combines literature, history, painting, music and other arts. The Yanqing land boats themselves have a rugged structure, with four pillars painted with red lacquer propping up the top of the boat and connecting the lower part. This allows performers to do all kinds of difficult moves.  The boats are decorated with lotus lanterns and candles and, especially at night, allow people to see figures, mountains, water, and other patterns on the boat move with the boat and performers.

Musical accompaniments contribute a lot to land boat performances. Instruments include the suona horn, bass drum and cymbals. Most of the time the music is exciting and cheerful, which can lighten the whole atmosphere.

Yanqing land boat performances are mainly based on myths, legends and historical stories, such as The Legend of the White Snake and The Eight Immortals. Costumes and props are matched according to the various stories and personalities of characters.
 

Yanqing land boat performances have become a cultural symbol of the area. In 2014, it was listed as an item of  national cultural heritage. In addition to acknowledging the value of the art, this also establishes  higher standards. Yanqing land boat performances carry the memories of people in Yanqing and the times they have gone through. Their legacy and development deserve more attention and support.