A local woman sings the Gece. [Photo/fujian-szwhg.chaoxing.com]

Dongshan Gece, commonly known among locals as "Singing the Gece", is a tradition throughout Dongshan's townships, as well as in Yunxiao, Zhao'an, Zhangzhou, the Penghu Islands, and southern Taiwan. It was included in the first batch of national-level intangible cultural heritage representative items.

Dongshan Gece originated in the Chaoshan region of Guangdong and was introduced to Dongshan in the late Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), boasting a history of over 400 years.

Over time, it absorbed musical elements from Nanyin and Qinqiang, gradually evolving into a unique art form characterized by the local Dongshan dialect.

The lyrics primarily draw from historical tales, legends, dramas, folklore, and proverbs, featuring strong narrative appeal, simple and accessible language, and a rich repertoire of melodies.

Dongshan Gece served as both a life textbook and a primer for cultural literacy among women in olden-day Dongshan. The ability to sing Gece was considered a mark of refinement, and it became customary to include Gece booklets as part of a bride's dowry.

Dongshan Gece has been passed down through generations via oral tradition and mentorship, embodying a distinctive collective cultural heritage. Serving as a living artifact for studying the cultural ecology of seafaring and fishing communities, it holds significant historical, cultural, and artistic value as a unique folk ballad genre.