Huimin's quyi bazaar blends culture and commerce in spring spectacle

The streets of Huji town in Huimin county, Shandong province, filled with drumbeats and traditional melodies as the local quyi (a collection of storytelling, cross-talk, and other spoken art forms) blended folk art with economic activity. The event featured performances such as Xihe Drum, cross-talk, and Jingdong Drum, attracting over 10,000 attendees and generating more than 300,000 yuan ($41,500) in local spending while promoting China's intangible cultural heritage.

To maintain this growth, Huimin county formed Huiqu Troupe, professionals in cross-talk, magic, drumming, and stand-up comedy. With monthly weekend shows, the troupe has created a year-round cultural scene, bringing in tourists and increasing revenue for nearby vendors.

Along the bazaar's Shuhui Road, stalls overflowed with handicrafts, regional snacks, and green appliances promoted through government-backed trade-in discounts. Zhang Rongyi, a home appliance seller, received six orders one day totaling 20,000 yuan. ''The crowds are larger than before – today's sales reached 400 yuan, more than my usual take,'' shared Ma Chengming, a local snack vendor.

Visitors like Zhou Min from Binzhou enjoyed the blend of tradition and family fun: ''We came for pingshu (a traditional storytelling style) but also loved the food and crafts!'' Tourist Han Jingyan from Dongying stayed longer to visit historic sites and hot springs, highlighting the county's rising popularity. With more than 60 stalls and strong business-government collaboration, officials plan to expand the bazaar's reach. As spring revitalizes Huimin, the event shows how cultural roots can fuel modern prosperity. (Edited by Li Qiaoxingzi)