A vibrant cultural exchange is set to unfold as a Thai delegation specializing in Yingge, a traditional Chinese folk dance, plans to visit Chaoshan in Guangdong Province, China. This visit marks a significant moment in the ongoing cultural dialogues between Thailand and China, showcasing the shared heritage and enduring bonds between the two nations.
Yingge, or ‘Songs of Heroes,’ originally a Chinese cultural expression, was brought to Thailand by Chinese immigrants about a century ago. Since then, it has become a popular cultural practice in Thailand, flourishing in over ten provinces. The upcoming visit by the Thai Yingge practitioners, supported by both the Chinese and Thai governments, is a poignant homecoming of sorts for this cultural art form.
The Thai delegation, led by the mayor of Phanat Nikhom in Chonburi Province, Vijai Amaralikit, comprises a diverse group of 39 individuals, including charity workers, business leaders, Yingge coaches, performers, and educators. Their ages range from 16 to over 70, highlighting the dance’s broad appeal across generations. The group is scheduled to engage in various cultural activities in Shantou and Puning, two cities in the Chaoshan region, known as the birthplace of Yingge. They will attend Yingge performances, and participate in joint performances with Chinese practitioners, fostering a rich cultural exchange.
This visit follows a series of exchanges initiated by Deng Yao, a scholar dedicated to the preservation of Guangdong’s intangible cultural heritage. Deng’s efforts included facilitating a visit for members of the Puning Fumei Youth Yingge Team to Thailand in June 2023, and conducting extensive research on the development of Yingge dance in Thailand.
The reciprocal visits between China and Thailand, including a trip by a Shantou cultural exchange delegation to Thailand in July, have laid the groundwork for ongoing cultural interactions. These exchanges have not only revived interest in Yingge but have also fostered a deeper understanding and appreciation of the dance’s historical and cultural significance.
Yingge has a storied history in Thailand, dating back to the Mid-Autumn Festival of 1942 when a Chinese national named Luo organized the first formal performance in Phanat Nikhom. By the 1950s and 1960s, Yingge had become a staple of cultural celebrations in many Thai provinces, especially those with significant ethnic Chinese populations.
The integration of Yingge into Thai culture is exemplified by its prominent role in local festivals. For instance, during the 2023 Mid-Autumn Festival, Deng observed a vibrant celebration in Thailand that blended traditional Chinese elements like Yingge with Thai and Western music, creating a unique cultural tapestry.
The Yingge dance, particularly popular during these festivals, is a spectacle of traditional Chinese elements, including flags, gongs, drums, costumes, and straw hats, reflecting its deep cultural roots.
Beyond entertainment, Yingge has played a role in revitalizing local tourism economies, especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. In places like Phanat Nikhom, regular open-air Yingge performances have been attracting tourists and stimulating local spending. Udon Thani Province has even hosted a Yingge Marathon Fun Race, further integrating the dance into local community activities and attracting both residents and international visitors.
Deng’s research into the evolution and innovation of Yingge in Thailand underscores the dance’s dynamic nature and its capacity to bridge cultures. The widespread coverage of Thai Yingge by Chinese media has sparked curiosity and nostalgia among Chaoshan locals and the Thai-Chinese community, reconnecting them with this shared cultural legacy.
This ongoing cultural exchange, symbolized by the Thai delegation’s visit to Chaoshan, highlights the enduring impact of Yingge as a cultural bridge, fostering deeper connections and mutual appreciation between the peoples of Thailand and China. Deng Yao’s contributions from the Cultural Heritage Public Welfare Law Center at Lifang & Partners have been instrumental in documenting and facilitating this rich cultural dialogue.
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