An Ancient Tradition in Crystal City

Xierong Zhongzi, also known as the Wild Yak Dance, boasts a history spanning over 1300 years. Xierong, a natural village in Caina Township of Qushui County, translates to “Crystal City” in Tibetan, named for the mountains south of the village that glisten like crystals in the rain. “Zhong” stands for wild yak, while “Zi” signifies dance in Tibetan, making Xierong Zhongzi a beloved folk dance that combines music, dance, spoken narrative, and singing into a folk art that vividly expresses blessings, auspiciousness, and completion.

The Dance of Blessing

The Xierong Zhongzi performance, which includes seven male performers, features costumes and props such as the Are mask, traditional Tibetan attire, colored sticks, yak ear decorations, and more. The dance, performed in pairs by wild yaks, is led by the “Are” or “Are Wa,” the lead dancer, accompanied by drummers and cymbalists.

Male yaks are portrayed as “Dam Qing Jue Jie” (the protector god Yama incarnate), and female yaks as “Baden Ma Suer Ma” (the auspicious goddess incarnate), with Are representing “Naiqiong Zala Qingmu” (a local protective deity). Performers wear traditional Tibetan dresses; the Are wears a mask and holds a colorful “Dadar” (a stick woven with colored Hada), while those playing the male and female yaks wear yak headgear and black costumes made from coarse yak hair.

The Xierong Zhongzi is a vibrant display of local customs, with lively, bold, and unrestrained dance movements. It’s a crystallization of Tibetan wisdom and a fine art within the rich cultural treasury of the Chinese nation. Legend has it that the Xierong Zhongzi was performed at significant ceremonies like the completion of the Jokhang Temple, Potala Palace, and Samye Monastery, with evidence in the lyrics of Xierong Zhongzi and murals of Samye Monastery.

A Legendary Origin

An old legend tells of the Fifth Dalai Lama’s encounter with two wild yaks and Are while crossing the snow mountain behind Xierong Village. Unable to meet anyone due to the snow, the appearance of these beings surprised the Fifth Dalai Lama, who learned they were divine incarnations capable of clearing the snowy path. Thanks to their efforts, the road was opened, and the Fifth Dalai Lama was safely welcomed down. Since then, the villagers have revered the yaks as deities, giving rise to the unique local tradition of Zhongzi. During festive occasions like the Shoton Festival and Wangguo Festival, the vibrant Zhongzi dance is performed, bringing joy and celebration to the community.

The Xierong Zhongzi, with its rich folklore and vibrant performances, stands as a testament to the enduring spirit and cultural richness of Tibet, inviting visitors to experience the ancient traditions and celebratory dances that continue to thrive in this enchanting “Crystal City.”

Travel Tips

1. Access from County Town to Caina Township: There is a road connecting the county town to Caina Township. For friends interested in this art form, it’s worth a visit.
2. Government Support: To preserve this outstanding traditional art of the Tibetan ethnic group, the government has allocated a special fund of 560,000 yuan for inheritance, making it a “living culture.” In 2011, Xierong Zhongzi was selected for the third batch of national intangible cultural heritage list.
3. Preparations and Training: Currently, the village has purchased the necessary props for the dance and has recruited more than 10 young people and 10 elementary school students to learn the skills under the guidance of Sangzhu.
4. Historical Evidence at Samye Monastery: Inside the eastern gate corridor and middle-level corridor of the Wu Zi Hall of Samye Monastery, there are murals depicting scenes from the celebration of the completion of the monastery. Among them, there are scenes of joyful wild yak dances, indicating that the wild yak dance was performed during the grand celebration.