Xiong’an Cultural Showcase Brings Hebei Heritage To Foreign Guests

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 28 (Bernama) -- Chinese and foreign guests experienced traditional crafts, performances and food from Hebei province at the “Rendezvous with Xiong’an” cultural showcase, held at the Xiong’an International Hotel Conference Center.

The event featured exhibitions, interactive experiences and performances of Yan-Zhao intangible cultural heritage, the traditional culture of the Hebei region. It also aimed to promote the integration of intangible cultural heritage with cultural tourism, according to a statement.

Known as a “wonder of China”, the Guo family’s iron plate embossing drew many foreign guests. Inheritor Guo Mohan expressed his hope that his works would convey Chinese craftsmanship and continue to tell compelling stories of China and Xiong’an.

Event coordinator Sun Han said 33 performances were staged in four rotating rounds of about half an hour each, leaving time for guests to visit the exhibits. The programme included folk music, dance, traditional opera, martial arts, tai chi, acrobatics, magic and shadow puppetry.

Hebei Bangzi Opera Troupe performer Zhang Jingyue presented the classic production The Lotus Lantern. She said she hoped to show foreign guests Hebei’s cultural heritage and help revitalise intangible cultural heritage through Yan-Zhao opera.

In the West Atrium, inheritors explained the stories behind Baoding Ding porcelain, Hengshui inside-painted snuff bottles and Dingzhou kesi silk tapestry. At interactive booths, including those for iron plate embossing and Fengning Manchu paper-cutting, guests could try traditional crafts under guidance.

The East Atrium featured live demonstrations of traditional food-making techniques, including malt sugar treats, Hele noodles and Quyang “Black Girl” dumpling filling. Guests could also taste local specialities, including Pingquan imperial sugar pancakes, Anguo medicinal cuisine and Zhaoxian pear paste.

The event served as a window for Xiong’an New Area to showcase its culture to the world and a bridge for exchanges between Chinese and foreign civilisations.

-- BERNAMA