Lusheng Dance of Miao
 2016-12-20 16:49:31   Zhangjiajie Tourism Information Website  

Miao culture in Zhangjiajie attaches equal importance to the time-honored city itself. Lusheng Dance of Miao is a most traditional and charming one.

Lusheng is an antique reed instrument. The longest measures more than 1 zhang (1 zhang = 3.3 meters), while the shortest is less than 1 chi (1 chi = 1/3 meter). Some have a maximum of 10 reeds in one Lusheng, while others only have a single reed or two reeds. The most popular Lushengs have six reeds, with a forceful but low and deep tone, or a clear and melodious tone. During the long history of the development of the Miao culture, the Lusheng has not only been regarded as the symbol of their people but was also combined with dance music, acrobatics and Wushu (martial arts), etc. As the culture communicated and interacted with various national ethnic groups, the Lusheng dance also became popular among the Dong, Shui, Buyi, Yao and Yi people.

The popular Lusheng dance was either a women’s dance accompanied by men playing or women and men dancing to their own music. Also Wushu activities and some extremely difficult acrobatic feats of the Miao people have been assimilated into the Lusheng dance which is especially loved by the masses. Now the Lusheng dance has become the necessary activity at the jubilant festivals of the Miao people.

The Baixi Lusheng Party of the Miao people is also known as the February Lusheng Party Festival which takes place in mid February of each lunar calendar year and lasts three days.

By Aileen