Taiping drum, about 30 cm in diameter, looks like a round fan, and the front of the drum is painted with yin and yang fish, which means harmony and peace; Some paint peony flowers, which means wealth and happiness. The words "Peace in the World" are often written on the back of the drum, hence the name Taiping Drum.
Taiping drum is a single-sided drum, with Korean paper or sheepskin, cowhide, donkey skin and other materials as the drum surface; The lower end of the drum handle is provided with a plurality of metal rings, the hammer is about 30 cm long, and the tail is tied with ribbons or tassels.
Taiping drum dance is divided into two parts: dancing and drumming. There are dozens of changes in drums and dance steps, and the formation changes are rich and diverse.
When performing Taiping Encouragement, dancers usually use traditional Manchu costumes, and women should take auspicious steps to show the beauty of elegance and dignity. Men's steps are mainly martial steps and short steps, and imitate actions such as riding and shooting, birds and animals. Dance with a drum in your left hand and a whip in your right.
"The Taiping Heavenly Kingdom Movement spread in Hohhot for nearly 300 years." Yu said that during the Qianlong period of the Qing Dynasty, when Hohhot built Suiyuan City (the new urban area), the Eight Banners Army was transferred to the garrison. The Eight Banners Army is dominated by Manchu, but also Mongolian and Han. Their arrival brought the Taiping Drum Dance popular in Northeast China to Suiyuan City and gradually spread it.
Play Taiping drums and sing Taiping songs to celebrate peace and prosperity. From its origin to the present, Taiping Encouragement has expressed a warm, positive and confident attitude towards life. On holidays or major festivals, people often dance this dance to express their happy mood.