Colorful storytelling keeps martyrs' tales alive

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Many martyrs' cemeteries across China have been making efforts to relay the stories of the national heroes to a wider audience. Some with a knack for storytelling are helping the martyrs' stories stand out, attracting both the young and the elderly.

Hao Yue, 29, has been telling the stories of martyrs for around three years in Taiyuan, capital of northern China's Shanxi Province. She has served in the People's Liberation Army for two years.

Hao Yue has served in the People's Liberation Army for two years. /CGTN Photo

Once a month, she comes to different communities across the city. Hao has a way with words. The stories leave a lasting impression, with many listeners feeling touched by the tales of national heroes.

Some residents in the community speak highly of her job and feel deeply moved. "She’s doing a great job. I feel like I went back to the revolutionary times. I feel deeply moved," a retired woman said. The residents also appeal that people should pass on the revolutionary spirit of the martyrs.

Residents in local communities speak highly of Hao Yue's work in telling the stories of martyrs. /CGTN Photo

Hao came to work in the Taiyuan Shuangta Temple Martyrs Cemetery seven years ago, and picked up the interpreter's work later. She even grabbed the first prize at a national martyrs storytelling competition.

"In order to be a good storyteller, I always put myself into the context of the story, as if I were the hero or heroine. And I often talk to their offspring to find out more details of their past. I guess this is how my storytelling gets more vivid," said Hao.

She also found there's a growing interest in the stories among young people. Many of them used to feel bored when visiting martyrs cemeteries but have developed an interest after listening to her stories. Hao is pleased with this and hopes they can learn something.

The Taiyuan Shuangta Temple Martyrs Cemetery is one of the Red Tourism destinations in China. /CGTN Photo

In recent years, the Taiyuan Shuangta Temple Martyrs Cemetery has been trying to disseminate stories of the martyrs to a larger population. Guan Lixia, deputy director of the cemetery, says they not only tell stories in the cemetery but also go to local communities, schools, armies and villages.

Inside the Taiyuan Shuangta Temple Martyrs Cemetery /CGTN Photo

Officials from this martyrs cemetery say their storytelling program covers about 100,000 visitors a year. And they plan to employ more personnel to accommodate all the visitors who want to know more about national heroes.

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