Gaomi ICH study tour enriches kids' summer experience

On Aug 12, volunteers from the Gaomi City Youth Volunteer Service Association visited the Gaomi Grand Theater to explore Gaomi Maoqiang Opera, a national intangible cultural heritage item.

After touring the exhibition hall, instrument room, and prop room, they donned costumes and immersed themselves in various roles. Xia Meihua, a national representative inheritor of Maoqiang Opera, guided them through a hands-on lesson, showcasing the charm of Maoqiang Opera.

Young volunteer Wang Chenxi expressed hope that the experience would increase interest in Gaomi Maoqiang Opera. College students from across China have been participating in activities allowing them to explore traditional culture and art.

At the Red Sorghum Art Park, Nie Peng, an inheritor of the Niejiazhuang clay sculpture, instructed students from China Agricultural University. Under his guidance, the students created unique clay tiger sculptures. Nie said that over 3,000 students have joined the study tours this summer.

Children look at Niejiazhuang clay sculptures. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Gaomi has utilized its rich intangible cultural heritage and convenient transportation to organize study courses led by 15 ICH practitioners, drawing nearly 10,000 students. 

Yu Yan, head of the cultural heritage department at the Gaomi cultural and tourism bureau, emphasized that these activities are vital for preserving traditional culture and developing young people's practical skills.

In recent years, Gaomi city has embraced cultural innovation, establishing the "Travel Gaomi with Intangible Cultural Heritage" brand and launching several cultural tourism routes connecting over 20 study sites. Wang Shuhua, an ICH practitioner, noted that these hands-on experiences spark visitors' interest in traditional culture, with over 10,000 study tour visitors each year. (Edited by Lin Li)