Liu Lanfang, one of China's storytelling masters, performs on Sunday during Huji Shuhui, a festival celebrating various forms of narrative and singing folk arts in Huimin county of Binzhou, Shandong province. [Photo by Wang Jun/for chinadaily.com.cn]
A folk art festival called Huji Shuhui kicked off on Sunday in Huimin county, Binzhou, Shandong province. The event featured more than 300 performers showcasing traditional Chinese storytelling and singing arts.
The festival will run until Thursday and features Chinese ballad singing, cross talk and clapper songs.
According to the county government, the festival boasts over 800 years and is recognized as one of the initial national intangible cultural heritages.
Children perform a clapper song on Sunday during Huji Shuhui, a festival celebrating various forms of narrative and singing folk arts in Huimin county of Binzhou, Shandong province. [Photo by Wang Jun/for chinadaily.com.cn]
On the twelfth day of the year's first lunar month, hundreds of elite traditional Chinese art performers from across the country gather in the county to showcase their skills, attracting tens of thousands of viewers.
In an effort to rejuvenate ancient tunes while continuing inheritance, Huimin has enhanced the festival's cultural brand.
Two artists perform cross-talk on Sunday during Huji Shuhui, a festival in Huimin county of Binzhou, Shandong province, celebrating various forms of narrative and singing folk arts. [Photo by Wang Jun/for chinadaily.com.cn]
The county has established an exhibition and broadcasting center for Huji Shuhui, incorporating traditional Chinese art creation, research and exchange. Additionally, it has built 126 cultural spaces, such as traditional Chinese art parks and storytelling venues.
"Huimin will deeply integrate the festival culture into cultural tourism, civilization, social governance and rural vitalization to leverage cultural influence for its social and economic development," said Wang Wei, the Party secretary of Huimin county.
