Chaozhou Qilin Dance, originated from the locals’ worship for qilin, or Chinese dragon, is a much popular folk-art characteristic of the city.

Wenli Dance Team, a famous local troupe, performs with its distinctive qilin props containing three parts – head, quilt (body) and tail. The head is very exquisite: it consists of a handmade bamboo frame tied with rattan wires, facial skins made of high-quality kapok cloth or paper, a pair of horns on the top and lively mouth and ears surrounded by fluff. Moreover, the chimerical beast has sparkling round eyes and can blink with movable eyelids, showing various expressions and animation. Eye-catching movements like rolling and curveting, complemented by the rhythmic and vigorous accompaniment of Chaozhou gongs, drums and local music, contribute to a wonderful and exciting art show.

In 2018, the Dance was conferred a representative project in the 7th batch of provincial intangible cultural heritage.