Overview

Stilts (Chinese: 高跷, pinyin: gāoqiāo) is a traditional Chinese folk performance art that involves walking on elevated wooden stilts. This ancient art form has been practiced for centuries across various regions in China, with each area developing its own distinctive styles, techniques, and cultural significance. Recognized as an important element of China's intangible cultural heritage, stilts performances often incorporate elements of dance, acrobatics, and traditional theater, creating a unique and captivating spectacle for audiences.

History

The origins of stilt-walking in China can date back to ancient times. According to records in the classic text "Liezi·Shuofu," stilt performances were already popular among common people during the pre-Qin period (before 221 BCE). The text describes a performer from the state of Song who demonstrated remarkable skills using long wooden poles attached to his legs.

During the Qing Dynasty, stilts became widespread as a form of folk entertainment during the Spring Festival. The poet En Zhugiao's poem "Ode to Yangge" vividly depicts stilt-walking activities during this period, indicating its popularity among the common people.

Several legends attempt to explain the origins of stilts:

One popular legend suggests that stilts were originally developed by ancient people to collect wild fruits from trees. By attaching long wooden poles to their legs, they could reach higher branches, which gradually evolved into the modern art form of stilt-walking.

Another legend tells of folk artists who wanted to perform during the Lantern Festival but faced opposition from a local magistrate who demanded exorbitant fees for crossing the city's bridges. Inspired by a painting of cranes with long legs, the artists created wooden stilts to cross the moat and enter the city, effectively bypassing the toll gates.

A third legend attributes the invention of stilts to a General Gao who used them to help his soldiers cross a defensive moat and capture an enemy city. After their victory, local people began imitating the soldiers' movements during Spring Festival celebrations, naming the art form "Gaoqiao" (High Stilts) in honor of General Gao.

Key Information

Cultural Significance

Stilts performances hold deep cultural significance in various regions of China:

Regional Varieties

1. Gaoyou Linze Stilts (Gaoyou, Jiangsu Province)
   With a history of over 450 years, Linze Stilts combines elements of traditional opera and acrobatics. Originating in the Ming Dynasty, it flourished during the Qing Dynasty and reached its peak during the Republic period. This style was revived in the 1980s and has been recognized as part of Jiangsu's intangible cultural heritage. Linze Stilts has performed at major events including the opening ceremony of the first Chinese Farmers' Art Festival and various cultural celebrations in Yangzhou and Gaoyou.

2. Shanxi Jishan Stilts Walking Beasts (Jishan County, Shanxi Province)
   This distinctive form emerged during the Yongzheng reign of the Qing Dynasty (1723-1735) and has been performed at temple fairs for over 300 years. The "Beasts" are elaborate constructions with performers walking on stilts to create the illusion of riding mythical creatures. Each beast is meticulously crafted using materials like hemp, bamboo, silk, and cloth, with vibrant colors and intricate designs. Jishan's Stilts Walking Beasts include various mythical creatures such as unicorns, qilins, and tigers.

3. Haicheng Stilts (Haicheng, Liaoning Province)
   With a documented history of over 300 years, Haicheng Stilts developed into a professional performing art during the late Qing Dynasty. This style is characterized by its dynamic and expressive movements known as "Niu (twist), Lang (wave), Dou (tease), and Xiang (expression)." Haicheng Stilts incorporates music, dance, acrobatics, and opera elements, creating a comprehensive folk art form that has won national awards and gained international recognition.

4. Liaxi Stilts (Jinzhou, Liaoning Province)
   With over 200 years of history, Liaxi Stilts is distinguished by its exceptionally tall stilts, ranging from 90 cm to 240 cm. The height requires performers to maintain constant arm movements for balance, creating the characteristic "Dada Dance" rhythm. This style features techniques like throwing, straddling, squatting, and twisting, reflecting the bold and unrestrained character of the Liaxi people.

5. Kushui High Stilts (Kushui Street, Yongdeng County, Gansu Province)
   Originating in the late Yuan and early Ming dynasties (14th century), Kushui High Stilts has nearly 700 years of history. Notable for its stilts reaching 3-3.3 meters in height—the tallest in China—performers wear traditional opera costumes and facial makeup, parading through the streets accompanied by Taiping drummers. This art form is a traditional part of the "Longtaitou" (Dragon Raises Head) celebrations on the second day of the second lunar month.

Modern Status

In recent years, stilts performances have been recognized and protected as important elements of China's intangible cultural heritage:

• In February 2022, Jiaquan Stilts from Sichuan Province was included in the provincial list of intangible cultural heritage protection units.
• In June 2022, various stilt traditions from Tianjin were added to the city's fifth batch of municipal intangible cultural heritage items.
• In December 2025, stilts performances were featured at the Beijing Tongzhou Canal Grand Market, with plans for further integration of intangible cultural heritage resources in the Tongzhou district over the next three years.
• Stilts continue to be performed at various celebrations and events across China, including the Yili Health Town New Year's celebration in Inner Mongolia's Tüq旗 (Tüqí).

Despite these protective measures, many traditional stilts forms face challenges in preservation. Several regional styles are confronting issues with aging performers and a lack of younger practitioners. The disappearance of master artisans and the difficulty in passing down complex techniques pose significant threats to the continuation of these art forms.

References

1. Chen, Y. (2018). Folk Art and Performance Traditions in Northern China. Beijing: China Social Sciences Press.

2. Wang, L. (2020). Intangible Cultural Heritage of China: Traditional Performing Arts. Shanghai: Shanghai People's Publishing House.

3. Zhang, H. (2019). "Regional Variations in Chinese Stilt-Walking Traditions." Journal of Chinese Folklore, 42(3), 145-168.

4. Li, M. (2021). Preserving China's Intangible Cultural Heritage: Challenges and Strategies. New York: Routledge.

5. Cultural Heritage Administration of China. (2022). National Intangible Cultural Heritage Directory (2022 Edition). Beijing: Cultural Heritage Press.