Folk art

Errenzhuan (Two-people Rotation)

Based on Northeast Yangge and dance, Errenzhuan usually consists of two people, a man and a woman. They sing as well as dance, using folded fans or red square handkerchiefs which are twirled along as a song is performed during the dancing portion. It is very popular due to its humorous dialogue and sketches, which have eclipsed the old dances and songs. There are four schools of Errenzhuan, namely the East, West, North and South. Jilin is the center of the East school. Famous actors of Errenzhuan include Han Ziping，Dong Wei, Yan Shuping, Dong Lianhai, etc.

Northeast Drum

Northeast Drum is story-telling with drum accompaniment. It takes in the characteristics of Peking Opera, Peking Drum and Northeast folk music. Its diverse tunes yield good expressiveness. Northeast Drum in Jilin almost is of Dongcheng School and is an influential art form in Yushu District. Northeast Drum was included in the list of national intangible cultural heritages. Representative figures of Northest Drum include Gu Xinshan, Xia Xiaohua, Wang Lianke, Gao Gui, Jiang Weifang, etc.

Northeast Yangge

Yangge is very popular in Jilin. It is a dancing folk art in combination of singing and opera. In terms of performing forms, Yangge include Di Yangge, Stilts Yangge, Cunzi Yangge, etc. Of all the forms, Di Yangge is the most populous and most flexible one. There are different versions about the origin of Di Yangge in Jilin. The most accepted version is that it was initiated in Yuan Dynasty. In order to prevent his subjects from revolting his regime, the Kublai Khan gave an order to divide his subjects into groups. At the Spring Festival and the Lantern Festival, the people were asked to sing and dance so that a revolt is impossible. Later, the practice gradually developed into what Yangge is nowadays.

Stilt Walking

Stilt walking is a popular folk dance in China. It is usually practiced at the Spring Festival, the Lantern Festival and temple fairs. In Jilin, stilt walking is particularly interesting as people who walk on stilts dress up as fishermen, woodcutters, farmers and legendary figures.