The “Tongle Stilt Association” of Milangtun was established during the Qianlong era (1736-1796) of the Qing Dynasty and was once granted an imperial seal of approval. With a history of over 250 years, it was originally founded by Ma Si and a few other villagers from Milangtun who were working in Beijing.
The Milangtun stilt troupe consists of 13 performers on stilts, 25 flag bearers and musicians, and a few additional staff members responsible for security and logistics, making a total of 45 participants. The entire performance is divided into several segments: a grand opening, followed by the lead stilt performer’s commands. This is succeeded by running formations, individual skill displays (such as the challenging moves “Big Jump” and “Scallion Extraction”), and then comic relief acts, small skits, and finally, a conclusion with the “Kirin Bringing a Child” act.
Milangtun stilts, renowned as a popular festival activity in Fengtai District, are known for their unique style and movement characteristics. The stilts are 1.6 meters high, making the performance highly challenging. Signature stunts include “Yaksha Probes the Sea,” “Su Qin Carrying a Sword,” “Crouching,” “Leaping,” “Cradling the Moon,” “Kite Flip,” “Scorpion’s Tail Swing,” “Carrying Wheat,” and “Balancing Plates.”
Among the various stilt associations across Beijing, Milangtun’s stands out, earning widespread respect. It has a rich historical background and strong community support. The performance retains its traditional appearance in terms of technique, character setup, musical accompaniment, ceremonial rules, and the craftsmanship of the stilts. The acts are naturally amusing and skillful, representing an outstanding form of traditional folk performance art. Moreover, it plays a special role in enriching the cultural life of the community.
Since its revival in the 1990s, Milangtun stilts have been warmly welcomed by the public. However, the art form now faces the danger of gradual decline, degradation, and even potential extinction. There is an urgent need to rescue, explore, and preserve this cultural heritage.