'Cǎi gāoqiāo' literally means 'to step on tall stilts' — the character 踩 (cǎi) means 'to step on' or 'to tread', 高 (gāo) means 'high' or 'tall', and 跷 (qiāo) specifically refers to the wooden stilt poles used in traditional Chinese folk performances. Together, they describe the acrobatic folk art of walking, dancing, or performing on elevated wooden stilts, often seen during Spring Festival, temple fairs, and rural celebrations.

This activity has deep roots in northern China, especially in Hebei and Shandong provinces, where performers wear colorful costumes and masks while balancing on stilts that can be over two meters high. Though it resembles circus stilt-walking, cǎi gāoqiāo is culturally distinct: the stilts are strapped directly to the calves (not worn like boots), requiring years of training for balance and coordination. It's commonly performed in groups, often accompanying drumming and dance, and symbolizes auspiciousness and vitality in traditional folklore.