Chen Zhichao says yangge represents a collective aspect of Chinese culture and is a typical Shaanxi culture. [PHOTO BY HUO YAN/CHINA DAILY]

"The music was loud and I was so happy that I danced with the troupe. At first I just imitated their movements, but once I understood the drum beats I started creating my own moves.

"My parents were with me and they just laughed, like other adults there, since it was wonderful to watch a little boy dancing yangge. From then on I went to watch many yangge dance performances when troupes came to my village. I danced with them and they taught me how to play the instruments."

Yangge dancers were invited to perform on special occasions, such as weddings, funerals and the official openings of businesses, he says. It is a tradition that lingers in his village to this day.

In 2015 Chen went to Xi'an to study at Xi'an Medical University, where he now works.

He founded a yangge troupe at the school that now has more than 100 members. He spends his spare time choreographing and rehearsing programs for the troupes he leads.

The self-taught young man says he is against the idea of combing yangge with other art forms, such as contemporary music and dance moves, "because the so-called innovation will harm the tradition".

"It's important to keep yangge authentic," he says.