#China #Chinese New Year #Yulin #Shaanxi Culture #Yangko Dance

Yulin Welcomes the World for Chinese New Year Celebrations

On the 14th day of the lunar calendar's first month, Yulin City opened its doors to international guests eager to celebrate the Chinese New Year. This year’s festivities kicked off with an exhilarating cultural immersion at the Northern Shaanxi Folk Song Museum, where professional folk singer Wang Zhixing took center stage. Wang’s performance was a vibrant showcase of traditional melodies, which have been passed down through generations and capture the essence of daily life in the region. The songs range from work chants to love duets, serving as a historical tapestry of the local people's emotions and experiences.

In fact, the Northern Shaanxi folk songs are so significant that they were recognized as part of China’s Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2006. One foreign visitor remarked, “This song reflects the beauty of China; although I don’t understand the words, I can truly feel its depth.” Such sentiments underline the power of music to transcend language barriers and connect people across cultures.

The Flair of Yangko Dance

As part of the cultural festivities, the Yulin Art Research Institute was abuzz with excitement over the final preparations for the 2025 National Yangko Performances. Originating from the Ming and Qing Dynasties, Shaanbei Yangko combines dance, drama, and folk rituals that provide a glimpse into the rural life of farmers, characterized by a sense of joy and community. The significance of Yangko is reflected in its inclusion on the list of Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2008, emphasizing its value in China’s cultural landscape.

The Yangko performances are not just a local affair; this year’s Lantern Festival in Yulin welcomed numerous Yangko troupes from across China, as well as performing groups from Bulgaria, Thailand, South Korea, and Russia. This blending of eastern and western cultural traditions rejuvenated the traditional Yangko presentation, providing fresh perspectives on this ancient art form.

“Your performances were incredible! The dances filled me with joy. This collective celebration of Chinese New Year is unlike any family-focused festival I’ve experienced in the West,” shared one audience member, highlighting the uniquely communal aspect of this event.

A Journey Through Cultural Heritage

Throughout the Yangko parade, foreign visitors found themselves not only in awe of the intangible cultural heritage but also gaining a deeper understanding of its profound significance. One participant expressed, “The cultural confidence evident in the performers’ eyes reflects 5,000 years of civilization. I have immense respect and love for this culture.”

From the enchanting sounds in the Folk Song Museum to the immersive experiences during the street Yangko, Yulin has successfully created cultural bridges with its intangible cultural heritage arts, fostering interactions between both domestic and international audiences.

This celebration was more than just a showcase of talent; it was a vivid gift for the Chinese New Year, offering insight into the area’s culture and injecting a sense of vitality into the intangible cultural heritage of Northern Shaanxi. The shared songs and dance steps are keys to unlocking the essence of this vibrant tradition, as they leave lasting impressions on all who experience them.

Let this event serve as a reminder that cultural festivities like those in Yulin are vital channels for expressing and appreciating the rich heritage that shapes humanity.