At the Xihai 2261 Hehuang Culture Fair in Xining, visitors witnessed a unique blend of tradition and modern curiosity as CGTN's Yang Xinmeng embarked on a whirlwind journey through centuries-old crafts. The event, rooted in Qinghai's cultural identity, transformed into a dynamic stage for intangible heritage preservation.
Yang's challenge took her through four distinct art forms: Hehuang paper art, where artisans transform delicate cuts into intricate landscapes; Huangzhong embroidery, a tactile dance of silk threads on woolen cloth; shadow puppetry breathing life into leather silhouettes; and silver-copper ware forging that turns raw metal into storytelling vessels. Each demonstration revealed how these crafts serve as living archives of the Hehuang Valley's agricultural and nomadic history.
The fair's name itself tells a story – 'Xihai' references Qinghai's ancient moniker, '2261' denotes Xining's elevation in meters, and 'Hehuang' honors the Yellow River tributaries that nurtured one of China's earliest civilization hubs. Organizers emphasized this event goes beyond display, actively engaging younger generations through hands-on workshops.
As twilight fell over the plateau, the fair demonstrated how traditional skills adapt to modern contexts. A silverware craftsman explained his contemporary designs for global markets, while embroidery artists discussed digital pattern preservation techniques. This fusion of heritage and innovation positions such events as crucial bridges between cultural legacy and sustainable development.
