The Taige performance in Fujian province. [Photo/fujian-szwhg.chaoxing.com]

Taige performance, or Tiezhi, is a traditional practice popular in Shuangxi town, Pingnan county, Fujian province. It has been recognized as a national intangible cultural heritage item under the category of folk customs.

Tiezhi in Shuangxi is a unique form of performance art featuring children dressed as characters from ancient dramas, either sitting or standing on wooden platforms supported by metal frames and carried by individuals. Each child embodies a role from traditional opera, forming elaborate and visually striking arrangements fixed on multi-tiered wooden platforms.

Deeply rooted in distinctive folk traditions, Tiezhi performances incorporate a wide range of artistic expressions — including folk arts, carving, and handicraft displays, folk music, dance, and opera. These performances often appear in festive processions alongside dragon and lion dances, and lanterns displays. The ceremonial rituals are meticulously arranged with various performances to entertain local audiences.

Unlike other crafts, Tiezhi's inheritance does not follow conventional patterns. With a history spanning centuries, this traditional performance art holds values in social and aesthetic, as well as cultural exchange and tourism development. However, with the continuous development of the market economy, traditional folk culture is gradually fading, leading to a decline in the folk cultural market.