With a history of more than 1,300 years, Shelrong Drongtse, also known as the Wild Yak Dance, is one of the most distinctive folk art traditions in central Tibet. This vibrant dance originated in Shelrong Village, located in Caina Township of Qushui County, an area poetically known in Tibetan as “Crystal City.”
The name Shelrong refers to the crystal-like mountains south of the village, which shimmer brilliantly after rainfall. In Tibetan, འབྲོང་རྩེད། “Drongtse” means wild yak dance. Together, Shelrong Drongtse represents a powerful folk performance that blends dance, music, chanting, narration, and ritual, expressing blessings, good fortune, and the joy of completion.
A Folk Dance of Blessing and Auspiciousness
Shelrong Drongtse is traditionally performed by seven male dancers, each playing a symbolic role. The performance uses a rich array of costumes and ritual props, including the distinctive Are mask, traditional Tibetan clothing, colored wooden sticks, yak ear ornaments, drums, and cymbals.
The dance unfolds in pairs, with performers embodying wild yaks, while the rhythm is guided by percussion instruments. At the center is the Are, also known as Are Wa, the lead dancer who directs the performance and links the human world with the divine.
Sacred Roles and Symbolic Costumes
Each character in the Shelrong Drongtse dance carries deep religious meaning.
- Male wild yaks represent Damchen Choegyal, the incarnation of the protector deity Yama.
- Female wild yaks symbolize Palden Masuma an auspicious goddess.
- Are embodies Nechung Drala Chenmo, a local protective deity revered by the community.
The Are wears a dramatic mask and holds a colorful Dadar, a ritual stick woven with multicolored khata scarves. Dancers portraying wild yaks wear yak-head decorations and black costumes made from coarse yak hair, creating a powerful and earthy visual presence.
The movements are bold, lively, and unrestrained, reflecting the strength of the yak and the free spirit of the Tibetan plateau.
A Living Expression of Tibetan Wisdom
Shelrong Drongtse is more than a dance; it is a living expression of Tibetan cultural wisdom. The performance captures local beliefs, communal values, and religious devotion, making it an important part of Tibet’s folk art heritage and a treasured element of the broader cultural legacy of China’s ethnic traditions.
According to oral tradition and lyrical evidence, Shelrong Drongtse was performed during major historical celebrations, including the completion ceremonies of the Jokhang Temple, Potala Palace, and Samye Monastery, highlighting its long-standing ceremonial importance.
The Legendary Origin of Shelrong Drongtse
A well-known local legend connects Shelrong Drongtse with the Fifth Dalai Lama. While crossing the snow-covered mountains behind Shelrong Village, the Dalai Lama found himself stranded, unable to meet anyone in the harsh conditions. Suddenly, two wild yaks and the figure of Are appeared.
They revealed themselves as divine incarnations capable of clearing the snow-blocked path. With their help, the road was opened, allowing the Fifth Dalai Lama to pass safely. In gratitude and reverence, the villagers began worshipping the wild yaks as protective deities, giving rise to the Drongtse tradition that continues today.
Festivals and Community Celebrations
Today, Shelrong Drongtse is performed during major local festivals such as the Shoton Festival and the Wangguo Festival. During these occasions, the energetic wild yak dance fills the village with joy, rhythm, and collective celebration, reinforcing community bonds and passing cultural memory from one generation to the next.
National Recognition and Cultural Preservation
Recognizing its cultural value, Shelrong Drongtse was listed in 2011 as part of the third batch of China’s National Intangible Cultural Heritage. To ensure its survival as a living culture, the government has allocated a special preservation fund of 560,000 yuan.
The village has since purchased essential dance props and organized structured training programs. Under the guidance of cultural inheritor master, more than 10 young adults and 10 elementary school students are actively learning the dance, ensuring that the tradition continues to thrive.
Historical Evidence at Samye Monastery
Strong historical evidence of the Wild Yak Dance can be found at Samye Monastery. Murals inside the eastern gate corridor and the middle-level corridor of the Wu Zi Hall depict scenes from the grand celebration marking the monastery’s completion. Among these images are clear representations of joyful wild yak dances, confirming that performances similar to Shelrong Drongtse were part of important religious ceremonies more than a millennium ago.
Travel Tips for Experiencing Shelrong Drongtse
Getting There
A direct road connects Qushui County town with Caina Township, making Shelrong Village accessible for travelers interested in Tibetan folk culture and intangible heritage.
Best Time to Visit
Visiting during local festivals offers the best chance to witness an authentic Shelrong Drongtse performance in its natural community setting.
Cultural Etiquette
Visitors are encouraged to observe respectfully, ask permission before photography, and engage with locals to better understand the spiritual meaning behind the dance.