First Guanzhong Cultural Fair celebrates the new year, ancient arts

Chinese New Year

The first Guanzhong Cultural Fair has opened in the capital of Northwest China’s Shaanxi Province, and participants rang in the lunar new year with some local costumes. CCTV’s Liu Wenwen reported this story.

Performing at the 1st Guanzhong Cultural Fair was a local percussion ensemble. Over 150 members of the band were playing with traditional percussion instruments, including gongs, drums and cymbals. The performance boasted a history of over one thousand years, and has been listed as intangible cultural heritage of Shaanxi Province.

In ancient times, the performance was used to maintain soldiers’ morale in battles. Now it’s been given new meanings in modern times.

70-year-old Li Yaobin has been performing for over 50 years. He’s the oldest member in the ensemble and a certified inheritor of the cultural heritage.

“We are from the same village. We always play at big events, such as harvest celebrations, weddings, Spring Festival and more,” Ensemble performer Li Yaobin said. “We’ve worked hard throughout the year and now it’s time to celebrate! And it’s a great way to kick off the new year. ”

The cultural fair also featured a variety of traditional folk arts, including puppet shows, traditional painting exhibitions, Chinese paper-cutting and more. The fair will continue through the end of the holiday season.