Ever dreamt of squeezing a week-long cultural trek into just one afternoon? 🤩 Welcome to CGTN’s Yang Xinmeng’s “Cultural Speedrun” at the Xihai 2261 Hehuang Culture Fair in Xining, located in the Chinese mainland province of Qinghai on the Tibetan Plateau. This vibrant fair is all about exploring intangible heritage—those living traditions passed down through generations, and you can literally try them out on the spot! 🎨🏞️
First stop: Hehuang paper art ✂️. Think of it like delicate Rangoli patterns from India or intricate batik designs from Indonesia, but carved on paper. Yang Xinmeng tried her hand at carving mountainous landscapes, learning how every snip and fold reveals centuries of local storytelling.
Next up: Huangzhong appliqué embroidery 🧵. Imagine colorful fabric pieces stitched into mesmerizing shapes—like the vibrant Songket sarongs in Malaysia. Each stitch is a nod to Qinghai’s nomadic heritage, where patterns represent good luck, nature, and local legends.
But wait, there’s more! Shadow puppetry takes the stage 🎭. These tiny leather figures dance across a backlit screen, sharing folklore that’s as engaging as Southeast Asia’s wayang kulit shows. You can even try holding the puppets yourself and bring ancient tales to life.
The grand finale? Silver-copper ware crafting ⚒️. Yang Xinmeng watched artisans hammer and polish metal into ornate bowls and jewelry—kind of like the artisanal handicrafts you’d find in Bangkok’s night markets or Delhi’s Dilli Haat. It’s slow, mindful work that transforms raw materials into art.
The name Xihai 2261 hints at local pride: “Xihai” is the old name for Qinghai, “2261” is Xining’s average elevation in meters, and “Hehuang” nods to the cradle of civilization along the Yellow River tributaries. Together, they make this fair a true celebration of plateau life, culture, and creativity. 🌟
Whether you’re exploring your hometown market or jetting off to new cultural festivals, Xihai 2261’s Cultural Speedrun reminds us that heritage isn’t just to be observed—it’s to be experienced. Ready to speedrun your own cultural adventure? 🛫🌍
Reference(s):
Cultural Speedrun: Xihai 2261's Intangible Heritage Challenge
cgtn.com
