Yangliuqing, a captivating ancient town with a remarkable history spanning over 1,000 years in Tianjin Municipality, China, recently hosted a splendid celebration of intangible cultural heritage. In honor of Cultural and Natural Heritage Day on June 10, a grand event took place in the town, showcasing a magnificent display of Great-Canal-related intangible cultural heritage projects. Organized by the Publicity Department of Xiqing District, the five-day event featured close to 100 captivating exhibits from provinces and regions along the Great Canal, offering visitors a unique glimpse into China’s cultural legacy.
Captivating Cultural Heritage Exhibits
The event captured the essence of Chinese-style beauty, with visitors being enthralled by the rich display of nearly 100 intangible cultural heritage projects from Beijing, Tianjin, Hebei, Shandong, Henan, Anhui, Jiangsu, and Zhejiang. Standing before the West Lake silk umbrella booth, attendees, dressed in the elegant Hanfu attire, eagerly captured the moment with these exquisite umbrellas. Made using bamboo frames and silk surfaces, the West Lake silk umbrella is a national intangible cultural heritage project known for its intricate craftsmanship. With over 100 meticulous steps involved in the handmade production process, these umbrellas embody the finest materials, such as the unique silk and lightweight bamboo sourced exclusively from the Hangzhou-Jiaxing-Huzhou area.
Cultural Market and Engaging Experiences
As part of the Cultural Tourism Year of Xiqing District, the exhibition not only showcased the intangible cultural heritage exhibits but also featured a vibrant cultural market. Visitors had the opportunity to explore the rich diversity of intangible cultural heritage, savor local delicacies, and discover cultural innovations from various provinces and cities. Additionally, the event recreated scenes depicting the ancient water and land dock and warehouse culture, incorporating elements from the Grand Canal and coastal style, thereby providing a comprehensive experience of the region’s cultural heritage.
Immersive Cultural Charm of the Great Canal
To enhance visitors’ understanding and appreciation of the Great Canal’s cultural significance, Xiqing District’s culture and tourism bureau organized several interactive activities. These included the establishment of six intangible heritage treasure museums that focused on the culture of places along the Great Canal. Moreover, game-play stations, experience courses, and Hanfu attire parades were organized, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the captivating charm of the Great Canal’s cultural heritage.
Conclusion
Yangliuqing, a mesmerizing ancient town in northern China’s Tianjin Municipality, recently showcased its rich intangible cultural heritage during a grand event in celebration of Cultural and Natural Heritage Day. With an array of enchanting exhibits from provinces and regions along the Great Canal, visitors were transported to a world of Chinese-style beauty and craftsmanship. The event not only offered an opportunity to explore intangible cultural heritage projects but also provided a cultural market, engaging experiences, and a glimpse into the region’s fascinating history. By organizing immersive activities and exhibits, Xiqing District’s culture and tourism bureau ensured that visitors could fully appreciate the cultural charm of the Great Canal and its surrounding areas.
