Gege dance (guhguh) originated from the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911) The Qing Dynasty was the last time of China under the imperial government. It was the only time that the land of China was led by the Mancurese people - the second largest ethnic minority in China, coming from the Northeast. The current gege dance is from the Qing dynasty empire, during which the great Emperor Qianlong came to power.

The most prominent feature of this dance is its soft posing and jewelry-filled dress, consisting of intricate headdresses, tassels, handkerchiefs and unique high-heeled shoes.

The Manchurian women did not bandage their legs. However, wearing high-gege shoes with a three or four inch "square" right, is actually a kind of pole that adds to the height of the shoe. Such shoes are known as "Shoe Pots" or other less elegant designations, "Horse Shoe Shoes." These silk shoes are embroidered with flower ornaments on each side, but not where they come from; the name of this shoe comes from the shape of the footprints left behind this shoe. The Manchurian ladies in these shoes, walking with small, cautious steps, swinging their arms to keep themselves stable. Dancing while wearing these shoes requires more dexterity and balance, especially when trying to display gege elegance.