On October 25th, the vibrant culture and heritage of the Yangtze River region took center stage in Wuhan, showcasing an impressive array of 210 intangible cultural heritage projects from 13 provinces and municipalities along the river. The “Splendid Yangtze” intangible cultural heritage exhibition kicked off at the Simaitang Cultural Park, drawing both locals and tourists eager to engage directly with heritage bearers, hands-on experience traditional crafts, and witness the allure of these time-honored traditions.
During the exhibition, attendees were immersed in various themed sections, starting with the “Yangtze Sentiment” area, where exquisite art forms such as the woven blankets of the Wa ethnic group, Tibetan Thangka paintings, and Miao batik were displayed, each representing distinctive styles and characteristics. In the “Perceiving the Yangtze” section, visitors marveled at jade carvings, fabric arts, embroidery, and ceramics, while traditional medicinal practices and concoctions captured attention. The “Tasting the Yangtze” area featured competitions among local favorites like Shaoxing Huangjiu, Enshi Yulu, and Changshengchuan Qingtian Tea, while the “Enjoying the Yangtze” segment kept audiences entertained with performances ranging from Chu Opera to Hubei Han Opera and Suzhou Pingtan.
Li Xianlan, a city-level inheritor of the Wa brocade weaving technique, shared her innovative approach to traditional crafts. “This time, we’ve incorporated Wa brocade into everyday items like cups, sachets, and bracelets,” she explained. “Previously, we only showcased the brocade as is, but I’ve since created a series that blends ethnic characteristics with contemporary aesthetics and needs.”
Chen Guobin, a city-level inheritor of Huizhou bamboo carving with 25 years of experience, enthusiastically demonstrated his craft by presenting a bamboo pen holder to the visitors. “By building on traditional bamboo carving skills, I’ve infused contemporary cultural elements to make my work more distinctive and engaging,” he shared.
Teng Shiyong, a city-level inheritor of Wuhu Iron Painting, invited guests to try their hand at iron art using cold forging tools he brought from Anhui. “By allowing them to watch and participate,” he said, “I believe more people will become interested in and appreciate the beauty of iron painting.”
In addition to the main exhibition, several engaging programs took place, including hands-on learning at a cultural workshop, a paper-cutting show, and a showcase of student-designed intangible cultural heritage works. More than 30 diverse intangible cultural performances and hands-on experiences were staged in locations around Wuhan, making it easy for city residents to enjoy these cultural treasures right in their neighborhood.
This “Splendid Yangtze” exhibition, an important component of the Yangtze Cultural Arts Season, is hosted by the Publicity Department of the Hubei Provincial Committee of the Communist Party, the Hubei Provincial Department of Culture and Tourism, and the Wuhan Municipal Government. It aims to delve deeper into the contemporary value of intangible cultural heritage in the Yangtze River region, comprehensively showcasing its charm while protecting, preserving, and promoting the rich culture along the Yangtze.
