Houzhai gaoqiao, or Houzhai stilts, originated in 1188. It is said that Fu Zhigong, an official in the Southern Song Dynasty (1127-1279), was persecuted for his perseverance and outspoken remarks, and then returned to his hometown. He deemed that he was nobler than others, so he walked on stilts to show his superiority.

The Houzhai gaoqiao in Houfu village is particularly famous. The stories of ancestors and folk art were passed down through generations. Toddlers are taught to walk on stilts and can walk by themselves when they are only 5 or 6 years old. People disguise themselves as celebrities at festive and social events.

Performers in traditional hats and costumes walk on wooden stilts, measuring 1 meter to 4.6 meters. They sit on a specially made platform or a ladder to tie their legs to the stilts.

Mixed teams, consisting of male and female stilt-walkers, parade in a single row, two rows, or S and Z shapes. Sometimes they perform acrobatics while walking.

As the folk art form was frequently presented on various occasions after China's reform and opening-up, Houfu gaoqiao developed into a well-known brand in Yiwu and gained recognition across Zhejiang province. Houfu village is famous for this traditional performance.

More than 200 people in the village of about 700 residents can perform the stilt walking. The village has launched a troupe consisting of over 40 performers, with ages ranging from 5 to 76.

The troupe keeps improving the performers’ skills and the costumes, formations and props. Whenever there are festival celebrations or major events, the troupe will stage performances.