Xinghua in East China's Jiangsu province held a series of distinctive cultural activities on June 13, coinciding with China's Cultural and Natural Heritage Day, to revitalize local cultural heritage through immersive experiences.
The activities featured a prehistoric archaeological tour, an intangible cultural heritage (ICH) bazaar, Chinese-style performances, nighttime museum tours, and interactive games, bringing millennia-old culture into residents' daily life.
The archaeological tour was held at the Caoyangang Ruins, which date back about 7,000 years. Guided by archaeologists, visitors observed prehistoric remains, listened to the stories behind artifacts, and even tried their hand at digging.
Visitors experience traditional cultural activities on Cultural and Natural Heritage Day in Xinghua. [Photo/WeChat account: xinghualvyou]
The ICH fair highlighted displays of Buddha carving and barrel hooping, along with hands-on workshops for paper-cutting, farmer paintings, sugar painting, and nut carving. Additionally, local specialties such as smoked roast goose, fish balls, and sweet rice wine offered visitors a taste of authentic Xinghua flavors.
Huaiju Opera performers paraded with cultural gifts, while interactive games like pitch-pot enabled visitors to savor the city's cultural charm. Meanwhile, visitors could tour the museum at night and watch a live drama depicting the benevolent governance of local Zheng Banqiao (1693-1766).