Time-honored Chinese folk dance thrives in Thailand, bridging cultures

Zhang Zhongbing, coach of Nigou Yingge Team, said that the team, consisting of about 40 members, was invited to Thailand for the first time. "It is truly a rare opportunity to perform alongside local teams overseas. We are learning from each other and making progress together," he said.

As the parade proceeded, joyful dance movements and bursts of firecrackers lifted the atmosphere to a climax, drawing gasps and prolonged applause from the crowd.

Seventeen-year-old local performer Thana Suanchan took part in the festival for the second year. Noting that this year's event was larger in scale than last year's, Thana said he didn't feel tired at all after seeing so many people come to watch.

The dedication and enthusiasm of the Thai performers also impressed Zhang Gonghai, the Nigou Yingge team member with over 15 years of experience. Despite the language barrier, he said, the two sides had in-depth exchanges on facial painting and performing techniques.

The spectacle drew a crowd of Thai locals and tourists, who were captivated by the dynamic and graceful movements of the performers and experienced firsthand the unique charm of traditional culture.

Kanokporn Ruangwoot, a local audience who followed the parade all the way, said that she has known and loved the Yingge performance since childhood.

"The Yingge dance can be regarded as the most iconic tradition of Phanat Nikhom. There are always Yingge performances during festivals, and local people share a very strong bond with it," she said.

Chen Yuntao, a 30-year-old Chinese spectator from Shantou city, Guangdong province, drove specially from Bangkok to watch the performance with his family and friends. He said the performances here reminded him strongly of those in his hometown, giving him a strong sense of familiarity.

Chonburi Governor Naris Niramaiwong, who presided over the opening ceremony of the Yingge festival, said that the province will promote Yingge as one of Phanat Nikhom's most distinctive cultural symbols, using it as an important lever to boost the local community economy and tourism.