#China #Yulin City #Yangko #Folk Songs #Yulin

Celebrating Chinese New Year in Yulin City

The 14th day of the first lunar month marked a unique celebration in Yulin City, where international visitors gathered to immerse themselves in the rich cultural traditions of Northern Shaanxi. The event commenced at the Northern Shaanxi Folk Song Museum, where Wang Zhixing, a renowned folk singer, captivated the audience with his impromptu performances. His melodic tunes resonated through the space, echoing the deep-rooted emotions and histories tied to the folk songs that have been cherished by the local people for generations.

Northern Shaanxi folk songs are characterized by their high-pitched melodies and picturesque rhymes, often reflecting the joys and sorrows of life. From uplifting work songs to poignant love duets, these melodies encapsulate the essence of the region's cultural heritage, which was recognized with its inclusion in China's National Intangible Cultural Heritage List in 2006. An international attendee noted, "This song showcases the beauty of China. Although I don't understand the lyrics, I can feel the emotions they convey."

As the festivities continued, visitors found themselves at the Yulin Folk Art Research Institute, where preparations for the highly anticipated 2025 National Yangko Performance Exhibition were underway. Yangko, which dates back to the Ming and Qing dynasties, is a vibrant blend of dance, opera, and folk rituals traditionally performed by farmers during their leisure time. It embodies the joyful spirit of the people from the Loess Plateau. This rich cultural art form was officially designated as a National Intangible Cultural Heritage in China in 2008.

The 2025 Yulin Lantern Festival has attracted not only local Yangko teams but also folk art troupes from countries like Bulgaria, Thailand, South Korea, and Russia, forging a rich tapestry of cultural exchange. These performances have breathed new life into the time-honored traditions of Shaanxi Yangko, providing a platform for dialogue between Eastern and Western cultures. One foreign attendee expressed their thrill, stating, "I love the performance and dancing; it's astonishing. The collective celebration of the Chinese New Year transcends the traditional Western family-centric perspective on festivities."

Engaging in the Yangko parade allowed international visitors not only to appreciate the aesthetic qualities of the intangible cultural heritage but also to grasp its broader implications for cultural continuity. As one visitor remarked, "The cultural confidence reflected in the performers' eyes offers a window into 5,000 years of civilization. I deeply respect and cherish this culture." From the resonant sounds of the Folk Song Museum to the lively atmosphere of street Yangko performances, Yulin City serves as a cultural bridge connecting individuals across the globe.

These enchanting notes and vibrant dance steps represent not merely a celebration for the Chinese New Year, but also a key to understanding the rich cultural tapestry of the land. Yulin's efforts in showcasing its intangible cultural heritage have injected new vitality into the traditions of Northern Shaanxi, promoting a broader appreciation of the region’s richness and diversity within the global cultural landscape.

In summary, Yulin City’s celebration of the Chinese New Year stands as a testament to the power of cultural exchange, weaving together history, art, and community in a way that transcends borders and unites people in shared experiences.