Xierong Zhongzi Dance in Quxu County, Lhasa

Xierong is a village located in Caina Town of Quxu County in Lhasa.(拉萨曲水县菜纳乡协荣村).

Xierong Zhongzi (协荣仲孜) is a traditional Tibetan dance from Qüxü County (曲水县), located southwest of the ancient city of Lhasa (拉萨). The dance, which is one of China’s National Intangible Cultural Heritages, is a celebration of the local Tibetan culture and history. It is performed by a group of seven men, with the main performer known as A Re (阿热). The dance is linked to the local traditions and the wild yak, symbolizing hard work, bravery, and resilience.

  • Heritage Level: National

  • Heritage Category: Traditional Dance

  • Heritage ID: III-105

  • Approved Date: May 23, 2011

  • Declared Area: Qüxü County, Tibet Autonomous Region

Historical Origins

Origins of Xierong Zhongzi

The name “Xierong Zhongzi” is derived from the Tibetan language, where “Xierong” refers to a village in the southwest of Lhasa, and “Zhongzi” means wild yak. The dance traces its origins to the 17th century when it was first performed during an important historical event.

According to legend, when the Fifth Dalai Lama was traveling to Lhasa, he passed through Gala Mountain (古嘎啦山) in Shannan (山南), where heavy snow blocked the road. During this time, two wild yaks and a man named A Re appeared and helped clear the snow, allowing the group to continue their journey. This act of bravery and selflessness became a symbol of resilience and community support, which was then commemorated through the Xierong Zhongzi dance.

The dance is thus a tribute to the hardworking, brave, and strong spirit of the Tibetan people, as embodied by the wild yaks in the story.

Dance Features

Costumes and Props

  1. Costumes: The dancers wear traditional Tibetan costumes made from khata (氆氇). The main performer, A Re, wears a Tibetan opera mask and holds a colorful Tata (塔塔), a flagstaff. The performers playing the wild yaks wear yak skin outfits, which are woven from coarse yak hair. The color black is used to complement the yak skin.

  2. Instruments: The accompaniment consists of cymbals (钹) and drums (鼓), which create a rhythmic beat for the performance.

Dance Steps

  1. Opening: The dance begins with A Re, the lead dancer, making his entrance to the sound of cymbals and drums. He performs a “six steps and one lift” dance and circles the stage before stopping in the center. A Re then speaks the opening lines: “The spring sun shines bright, the peacock sings sweetly; a rainbow appears in the sky, and flowers bloom on the ground… On this auspicious day, in accordance with ancient traditions, two wild yaks from Xierong join me in wishing you a life of happiness and prosperity.”

  2. The Wild Yaks: After the introduction, two “wild yaks” (a male and a female) enter the stage, jumping and running in response to the rhythm of the cymbals and drums. They circle the stage, representing the wild yaks’ joyous and carefree nature.

  3. Interactive Performance: A Re stands between the two wild yaks and continues dancing while chanting playful and auspicious phrases. As the music accelerates, the wild yaks become more energetic, with the dancers mimicking the animals’ movements. A Re sings: “Our little wild yaks of Xierong are the happiest and most joyful.”

  4. Offering of Khata: In this section, A Re scatters tsampa (糌粑), a traditional Tibetan barley flour dish, into the air. The yaks perform various actions, including jumping, rolling, and wrestling. The performance reaches its peak when the wild yaks use their horns to lift the khata (哈达), offering it to the audience, symbolizing respect and hospitality.

  5. Closing: The dance concludes with A Re speaking a final line of dialogue before the group performs one last round of dance. The wild yaks exit the stage, and the performance ends.

Dance Themes

The Xierong Zhongzi dance symbolizes the resilience and hard work of the wild yaks as they help clear the snow on Gala Mountain, paving the way for others. It reflects the spirit of the Tibetan people, who are known for their diligence, bravery, intelligence, and willingness to help others.

Inheritance and Protection

Cultural Value

Xierong Zhongzi is an integrated art form combining singing, spoken words, and dance, preserving the ancient cultural traditions of Tibet. It is considered a living relic that offers invaluable insights into the social, cultural, and historical development of Tibet. The dance reflects themes of joy, good fortune, and harmony, and its lively and bold movements symbolize the wisdom of the Tibetan people over the centuries.

Current Inheritance Status

Today, only two elderly artists in Xierong Village (协荣村) are able to perform the Xierong Zhongzi dance. Due to the dance’s challenging performance techniques, long learning process, and heavy props, it has become increasingly difficult for younger generations to continue the tradition. Efforts are being made by the local government to protect and revive this important cultural heritage.

Key Inheritors

Sangzhu (桑珠), born in April 1959, is one of the primary inheritors of Xierong Zhongzi and was recognized as a representative inheritor of the fourth batch of National Intangible Cultural Heritage projects.

Protection Measures

In late 2016, the Tibet Autonomous Region Folk Art Institute (西藏自治区群艺馆) conducted a rescue recording and preservation project for the Xierong Zhongzi dance, led by Sangzhu.

In November 2019, the Qüxü County Cultural and Tourism Bureau (曲水县文化和旅游局) was officially designated as the protection unit for Xierong Zhongzi. In October 2023, this unit was evaluated and confirmed as qualified.

Social Impact

Artistic Influence

Xierong Zhongzi continues to play an important role in preserving Tibetan culture and traditions. The dance is regularly performed during the Shoton Festival (雪顿节) in Lhasa and the Wangguo Festival (望果节), an important local celebration. Additionally, the dance is showcased in various exhibitions, where it represents Tibetan cultural heritage to a broader audience.

Notable Performances

In 2019, the Xierong Zhongzi dance was once again performed at Zongjiao Lukang Park (宗角禄康公园) during the Shoton Festival in Lhasa, continuing the tradition of sharing this vibrant performance with both local and international visitors.