ICH performances bring 'Understanding China' to life

A showcase of national-level intangible cultural heritage (ICH) programs has recently brought together performers from Inner Mongolia, Shanxi, Yunnan and other regions in Beijing's Chaoyang District, highlighting the best of China's ICH preservation efforts.

Adopting a "guided appreciation plus curated performance" format, the event broke down barriers between ICH art and general audiences, making heritage accessible and engaging for all ages. "I've only ever seen these performances on TV," one audience member said. "Hearing it live has an impact no screen can match. I didn't expect to enjoy so many national-level treasures right at my doorstep."

The event featured renowned Kunqu Opera artists Wei Chunrong and Shao Zheng from the Northern Kunqu Opera Theatre, who performed a classic excerpt from The Peony Pavilion–A Startling Dream. It also showcased siblings Li Huaixiu and Li Huaifu, national-level inheritors of Hai Cai Qiang–a traditional Yi vocal art from Yunnan–who brought the distinctive melodies of southwestern China to a Beijing audience through a selection of Yi folk songs.

Many attendees lingered long after the show, chatting with heritage inheritors and reliving the highlights on stage.