Youth fair and on-site intangible cultural heritage performance
On June 26, the Bond with Kuliang: 2024 China-U.S. Youth Festival Youth Fair and Intangible Cultural Heritage Performance was held at the Convention and Exhibition Center of Haixia Youth Center in Fuzhou. The fair featured 22 intangible cultural heritage exhibitions from across Fujian and 20 creative booths from across the country. Chinese and American youth experienced the allure of intangible cultural heritages such as Fujian Pucheng paper-cutting, Jianyang Song Dynasty Tea-whisking, Gaolou rice handicraft, cork carving, embroidery of the She ethnic group, among others.
American lad Zev, an enthusiast of hands-on activities, first made a city seal of Quanzhou, then eagerly tried his hand at Pucheng paper-cutting before rushing off to a painting booth. “Today’s event was very interesting, I’ve learned a lot, and I especially like things with traditional Chinese elements like dragons.”
Suran, another visitor from the United States, was captivated by Jianzhan teaware. She told the reporter that she is very interested in ceramics and has a ceramic studio in Washington, so she was very excited to see the Jianzhan teaware.
“You’re telling me this is made of rice?” Many young people gathered at a booth showcasing the intangible cultural heritage “Fuzhou Gaolou rice handicraft”, astounded by the exquisite creations. Gaolou rice handicraft originated in Gaolou Village, Guhuai Town, Changle District, Fuzhou, Fujian, and rice is used as threads to “weave” artworks, hence the name Gaolou rice handicraft. Gaolou rice handicrafts can be vividly pink lotus, exquisite Chinese cabbages, bright yellow pears, and more.
In addition to the display of intangible cultural heritage items, there are also intangible cultural heritage performances unique to Fujian, including Wing Chun, Min opera, and palm puppets of Jinjiang. Wing Chun, featuring a blend of relaxed and hard energies, drew rounds of applause. The classic play “The Peony Pavilion” performed by Min opera artists captivated many American youth with local-style costumes and Fuzhou dialect. With deft finger movements, the palm puppets of Jinjiang came alive with a variety of skills, winning cheers and applause. The vigorous Xiamen Chest-slapping Dance brought the event to a climax, with male dancers slapping their bare chests rhythmically without musical accompaniment, echoing the ritual dance of the ancient Minyue ethnic group. All these performances led the Chinese and American youth to appreciate the unique charm of Chinese culture.
The fair also showcased cultural and creative products that combined traditional craftsmanship with modern trends. Groups of Chinese and American youth wandered around while experiencing, occasionally exchanging with vendors in Chinese simply to experience the vigor and vitality of youth cultural creations. For American youth visiting China for the first time, this fair opened a gateway to the rich tapestry of Chinese culture. Rachel Vis, a participant in the floral headdress experience, said, “It’s really nice to come to China, I would really encourage people even if you don’t know much about it, come and experience it for yourself.”
