Chongqing - On May 11, the National "Arts Empowering Rural Aesthetics" Campaign officially opened in Suxin Village, Beibei District. Hosted by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, the event brought together hundreds of participants, including national rural revitalization experts, scholars, and local leaders. This vibrant celebration seamlessly blended cultural performances, intangible heritage exhibitions, and dialogue on rural development.
The opening featured a spectacular performance by the "Colorful Land - Affection for the Countryside" Art Troupe, which made its way to Suxin Village, a place renowned for its camellias. Guided by the mission of "delivering culture, planting culture, and revitalizing culture," national-level artists, alongside local cultural forces, offered a breathtaking experience for the village's residents.
Opening ceremony scene of the National "Arts Empowering Rural Aesthetics" Campaign (Photo/ Zhao Guogan)
Culinary culture exhibition: a taste of Beibei
A highlight of the event was the Culinary Culture Exhibition, which showcased over 70 unique dishes from the 17 towns and streets of Beibei. Attendees had the opportunity to indulge in the region's culinary delights, including Jingguan Town's glutinous millet and traditional cured meat, the famous crystal-clear and aromatic Luoping rice, and the spicy Baidou Flavored Chili Chicken from Shijia Liang Town. Other regional specialties, such as hand-pulled noodles from Jindao Gorge and Tofu with Fish from Caijiagang Street, attracted crowds eager to taste local flavors.
Steaming Hot Sanxikou Fish with Tofu (Photo/ Natalia Vakhrusheva)
Intangible cultural heritage exhibition: breathing new life into tradition
The Intangible Cultural Heritage Exhibition gathered over a dozen representative projects from various districts in Chongqing. The exhibition aimed to present these traditional practices' cultural connotations and artistic value through physical displays, image galleries, and video presentations. Live demonstrations by heritage bearers allowed visitors to experience the intricacies of these traditional crafts firsthand, deepening their understanding and appreciation of intangible cultural heritage. This section showcased the innovative expressions of ancient traditions, demonstrating how they are adapting to modern aesthetics.
Folk art pyrography is being created on-site (Photo/ Natalia Vakhrusheva)
Agricultural products exhibition: boosting rural economies
The Agricultural Products Exhibition featured more than 200 selected items from across the nation, including specialties like Jinyun Sweet Tea, Changdu Yak Jerky, Yuechi Rice Noodles, and Youyang Tea Oil. These high-quality products, many produced in ecologically rich regions, highlighted traditional craftsmanship and modern production standards. The exhibition provided both a platform for showcasing premium agricultural products and a convenient marketplace for visitors.
Jinyun Sweet Tea, a signature agricultural product of Beibei District, on display at the exhibition (Photo/ Natalia Vakhrusheva)
The event's organizers hope that traditional culture can be integrated into contemporary life through these cultural exchanges. A representative remarked, "Beibei not only boasts beautiful Jin Yun Mountain and the warm Beibei Hot Springs but also has a rich cultural heritage. This cultural festival serves as a window for visitors to appreciate both the intangible cultural heritage and the unique beauty of Beibei."
The event will run until May 13. Experts and scholars will discuss the multiple pathways for integrating art into rural construction, opening the "creative doors" to a revitalized countryside, infusing rural revitalization with more cultural vitality.