Kylin dance, also known as “martial” Kylin and an important folk activity in Shenshan, has a history of more than 200 years and was included in the second batch of the national intangible cultural heritage list in 2008. In traditional Chinese culture, kylin is considered as an auspicious sign, implying peace, longevity and good fortune. The ancestors of Shenshan performed kylin dance to pray for favorable climatic conditions and good harvest. The movements of kylin dance are very captivating. From licking or scratching its body in an exquisite way to shaking its fur and mustaches in an agile manner, dancers can imitate the kylin’s facial expressions so skillfully that the kylin seems to be “alive”.

In the past, Kylin dance was unexceptionally performed in such grand festivals as Spring Festival and Lantern Festival, or on joyous occasions in the village. All of them were joyful events for everyone in the village. Nowadays, Kylin dance has been included in the provincial-level intangible cultural heritage list, and residents in Shenshan are making concerted efforts to conserve this cultural treasure. It is far more than a folk performance, but can enable more people to enjoy the charm of intangible cultural heritage in Shenshan, where cultural treasures abound.