Xiapu was a famous fishing and salt town in eastern Zhejiang more than 600 years ago. It is said that "Xiapu Boat Drum" began around the Jiajing period of the middle and late Qing Dynasty (1810 AD), and some say it was already popular at that time. It is said that its founder was a joint effort of local fishermen and fishermen who moved here from other places. This is a folk performing art form that combines percussion (drum) music, boat-shaped prop dance, and folk songs. It has very distinctive customs and characteristics of the eastern Zhejiang fishing area. It was first used by local fishermen to worship the sea god and pray for peace and a good harvest before going out to sea to fish (commonly known as "opening the sea"), and to celebrate the full load and express their emotions when returning from fishing (commonly known as "thanking the sea"). Later, it was integrated into temple fairs and various social festivals and activities, and is very popular among people. Before the founding of the People's Republic of China, the boat drum was made of bamboo strips and tied into the shape of a boat. It was decorated with pine and cypress branches or flowers, earthen cloth curtains, etc., with a small drum in the middle. The performers were all male fishermen (according to the old custom, women were strictly prohibited from participating). They entered the boat, tied the "boat" crosswise to their shoulders with ropes, and performed with the sound of gongs and drums (mainly drums, but suona can also be added). Its movements are rough and strong, and the lyrics are sung as they are composed, accompanied by the ups and downs of the drums, reflecting the production and life of the fishermen walking on the sea and waves. Each performance is accompanied by a round of gongs and drums, and a folk song tune is sung, such as "Lantern Tune", "Wugeng Tune", "Purple Bamboo Tune", etc., and it goes back and forth until the end. It is a folk art that is very popular among the masses, and it is also the "head brand" of temple fairs and festivals in the old days, but it was gradually lost in the middle of the last century. After the reform and opening up, this art form has regained its youth with a brand new look after being vigorously explored and supported by the cultural departments at the town, district, city and province levels. In 2006, it won the provincial square dance star award. In 2007, it represented Zhejiang Province to perform in Beijing and returned with honors. In 2008, it was invited to participate in the folk art performance for the Olympic Games at Tiananmen Square. At the same time, a heritage base was established in Xiapu Primary School, and a small boat drum team was trained. Information source: Ningbo Cultural Center (Ningbo Exhibition Hall Ningbo Intangible Cultural Heritage Protection Center (No pictures yet, welcome to provide.) Information source: Ningbo Cultural Center (Ningbo Exhibition Hall Ningbo Intangible Cultural Heritage Protection Center (No pictures yet, welcome to provide.)