Northern Shaanxi folk song exhibition in Yulin and international intangible cultural heritage exchange and mutual learning event in Beijing

On May 29, the Northern Shaanxi Folk Song Exhibition (Yulin) and International Intangible Cultural Heritage Exchange and Mutual Learning Event, themed “Inheritance and Innovation, Mutual Learning and Cooperation”, was held in Beijing.

The event showcased a stunning visual and auditory feast for the audience through a combination of international intangible cultural heritage performances, distinctive intangible cultural heritage experiences, and various technological display methods.

Diplomats from Albania, the Republic of North Macedonia, South Korea, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Italy, and Zambia, as well as representatives from UNESCO and the Europe-Asia Center, attended the event.

Shan Shuping, a member of the Standing Committee of the Yulin Municipal CPC Committee and Director of Publicity, also attended the event.

International guests gained an in-depth understanding of the development history and current protection status of Northern Shaanxi folk songs during their visit.

When the Northern Shaanxi “Xintianyou” was performed, the guests clapped along to the rhythm and sang “Hey Yo”, bringing the atmosphere to a climax.

Monica Bezzegato, Cultural Counsellor of the Embassy of Italy in China, commented, “The Northern Shaanxi ‘Xintianyou’ is very similar to Italian opera in its form, with its loud and resonant voice allowing everyone to instantly capture the emotions of the artist while creating the song. I look forward to seeing Northern Shaanxi folk songs performed in Italy.”

Notably, intangible cultural heritage dancers from Kazakhstan also performed alongside the Northern Shaanxi yangko dancers. Although the dance forms are different, like other art forms, both dances vividly reflect the way of life and express thoughts and emotions.

In addition to the exhibition, guests had the opportunity to experience Yulin's distinctive intangible cultural heritage activities such as “ramming earth” (a building technique), “papercutting”, and “yangko” (traditional Chinese dance).

Tom M. Wolters, Senior Advisor of UNESCO, remarked, “I have visited Shaanxi many times, but this event has given me a deeper understanding of Northern Shaanxi culture, beyond just a superficial level.”

The Northern Shaanxi Folk Song Exhibition (Yulin) and International Intangible Cultural Heritage Exchange and Mutual Learning Event aims to respond to the Global Civilization Initiative, protect and utilize intangible cultural heritage effectively, and promote human civilization progress through exchange and mutual learning.

It also seeks to create a new international platform for the inheritance, innovation, and mutual learning of intangible cultural heritage. The event will continue until May 31.