Lianxiang Dance is performed by local residents. [Photo provided to China Daily]

The Lianxiang Dance is also known as dalianxiang. Two or more dancers tap their back, shoulders, arms and legs with a stick, while singing and jumping. The stick, about 1 meter long, is made of bamboo with five narrow slits inlaid and copper coins between the joints. The stick is also colorfully decorated. Lianxiang Dance used to be one of the dances performed at temple fairs. Now, it is a popular activity for fitness and recreation.

Lianxiang Dance does not limit the number of dancers. It may be danced by one, or by a man and a woman, or by groups of people. Before the liberation of China, more than eight men usually performed the Lianxiang Dance, but now mainly women dance it. Dancers may dance on the spot where they are, or on the move. They may stand, squat, move, stop or jump. Their basic moves are crossing steps, taking steps, spinning the stick, tapping their shoulders, tapping the ground, tapping each other, turning around, etc. Dancers hold the stick in the middle, tap or touch their arms, legs, shoulders, waists, back, arches, knees, hips, elbows and palms or the ground to produce the characteristic "qika, qika" sound. When two or more dancers are involved, the dancers often tap one another. When it is danced by a group of people, the dancers may stand in a line or they may form a circle. They hold the stick in their right hand, tapping the ground, arches, knees and shoulders once, and proceed with a set of jumping, dancing and tapping actions.