Cultural Tapestry on Stage: Tri-Region Intangible Heritage Showcase Illuminates Southwest China

Chongqing - A vibrant showcase of performing arts heritage from Chongqing, Sichuan, and Suzhou captivated audiences on Friday evening in Qianjiang, weaving together diverse traditions from across China into a single, dynamic performance.

The event, titled “Shared Landscapes, Shared Dreams,” featured a rich lineup of music, dance, and theater recognized as national or regional intangible cultural heritage. It served as the opening highlight of a multi-day exchange focusing on the preservation and innovation of living cultural traditions.

Held against the scenic backdrop of the Wuling waterfront, the night opened with Sichuan’s intricate medium-sized rod puppetry. “Moonlit Lotus Pond,” performed by the Zizhong County Puppet Theatre, blended puppetry with folk melody and movement, drawing vigorous applause. “Events like this open a window for the public. They are crucial for building interest in safeguarding our heritage, especially among younger generations,” noted Chen Lei, the theatre’s deputy director.

The program then journeyed through Sichuan’s soundscape, from the narrative singing of Sichuan Qingyin to the colorful Songpan Lantern Dance and a costume display inspired by ancient Qiang culture.

A distinct shift in ambiance arrived with performances from Suzhou, representing eastern China’s Jiangnan region. The gentle, melodic storytelling of Suzhou Pingtan in “Night Mooring at Maple Bridge” contrasted with the refined artistry of Kun Opera. A scene from the classic “The Peony Pavilion” was reinterpreted with a contemporary sensibility. “The subtlety and grace of Kun Opera are breathtaking live. It feels both ancient and fresh,” shared audience member Jiang Xingyu.

Chongqing’s segment brought a powerful local character to the stage. The Jinqiao wind and percussion ensemble from Wansheng delivered a thunderous performance, its music dating back centuries, mimicking the sounds of whinnying horses and galloping hooves. “Sharing our local heritage on this inter-regional platform is a point of great pride. It ensures these age-old sounds are heard and remembered,” said Zhang Dengyang, a national inheritor of the tradition.

Other acts from Chongqing’s diverse counties included the playful Xiushan Lantern Dance, the robust Miao ethnic “Weeding Work Song” from Pengshui, and a lively folk combination of music, dance, and comedy in “Playing with Oxen.” The finale, an energetic Qianjiang dance titled “The Sun is Rising,” celebrated vitality with rhythmic movement and ringing bells.

Beyond the main stage, a heritage market offered hands-on engagement. Nearly a hundred artisans from the three regions demonstrated crafts such as Pengshui Miao embroidery, Qiang flute playing, and Suzhou jade carving, allowing visitors to touch, try, and converse with practitioners.

“This interactive element is key. It transforms abstract ‘heritage’ into a real, tangible experience for my child,” said local parent Zhou Mei, watching her son attempt a basic Suzhou embroidery stitch under a master’s guidance.

“This showcase is more than a performance,” stated Mu Yuanyi, President of the Chongqing Academy of Culture and Tourism. “It is a concrete step in regional cultural cooperation and a laboratory for exploring how living traditions can evolve and remain relevant today.”