The Eagle Dance on the Snowy Plateau

The Tajiks, known as the “nation of eagles”, mainly live in the Tajik Autonomous County of Xinjiang. In Tajik culture, the eagle represents beauty, sanctity and bravery, and is the spiritual totem of the Tajiks who use the eagle dance to express their worship of the eagle, and whenever there are festivals and happy events, Tajik people would dance the eagle dance to express their joyful feelings.

In 2006, the Tajik Eagle Dance was listed as a national intangible cultural heritage. This traditional folk dance from the Pamir Plateau in Xinjiang is increasingly known by more people.

Nowadays, many local youths have joined the dancing team to pass on the Eagle Dance, and this intangible heritage has injected new vitality into the rural revitalization of local villages. The Tajik’s dream for a better life is gradually turning into a reality.

Producer: Yang Gu

Chief Supervisor: Chen Jiandong, Song Leyong

Chief Planner: Che Jingwen, Jin Linghan

Script Writer: Yue Pei

Coordinator: Zhou Shuodi, Tao Yanyan, Yang Jingyi

Co-produced by: China Internet Development Foundation and GMW.cn