Exploring Beautiful Bishan with International Guests

Bishan, December 15 — "ONCE BE HERE,ALWAYS IN MIND!" This was the warm welcome extended during the 2024 Bishan District Cultural Exchange Experience Event, themed “Inheriting Intangible Cultural Heritage and Discovering Beautiful Bishan.” The event took place at the Xiuhu Water Street International Intangible Cultural Heritage Town (Xiuhu ICH Town) in Bishan District, Chongqing.

Organized by the Publicity Department of the CPC Bishan District Committee, the event hosted 4 representatives from Morocco, Russia, Ukraine, and Kyrgyzstan. They were invited to support participants in the Water World 2024 Chongqing Bishan Marathon, explore and experience the Xiuhu ICH Town, learn traditional paper-cutting techniques, and view Bishan's exquisite micro-carving and micro-sculpting artistry. The initiative aims to encourage more international visitors to appreciate Bishan's charm and its rich intangible cultural heritage.

No Borders for Runners Embracing Their "True Selves" 

The day marked the grand kickoff of the Water World 2024 Chongqing Bishan Marathon! Over 15,000 running enthusiasts from more than 30 provinces and cities in China, as well as 11 foreign countries, gathered at the "Park Track" to join in the competitive excitement and enjoy the scenic views of Bishan. At the finish line in Xiuhu Park's Ying'en Square, the “International Volunteer Service Station” drew significant attention, as participants collected their race packs and enthusiastically engaged with the international volunteers. 

Vera from Russia, who served as the head of the volunteer station, shared, “ONCE BE HERE,ALWAYS IN MIND! I’m thrilled to contribute as a volunteer for the Bishan Marathon and cheer everyone on. It feels meaningful and fulfilling.”

The Beauty of Xiuhu and Intangible Cultural Heritage

Bishan boasts a rich history and vibrant culture, proactively exploring innovative ways to integrate culture and tourism, making intangible cultural heritage (ICH) accessible to the public and weaving it into everyday life.

Zanhua, a traditional floral hairpin worn by ancient Chinese, typically features ivory pins resembling chopsticks, secured to a spiral hair bun, adorned with fresh flowers or flowers crafted from other materials. This custom dates back two to three thousand years and is recognized as a national intangible cultural heritage. Dressed in zanhua, international guests leisurely walked through the charming town, drawing attention with their Western features complemented by traditional Chinese attire.

Accompanied by a guide, they visited Pan Qihui's micro-sculpting studio, where they learned about Bishan's micro-carving—a recognized municipal ICH that blends calligraphy, painting, and carving. The studio showcased a mesmerizing array of micro-carved artworks, each serving as a masterpiece and a vessel of cultural heritage. Guests expressed their astonishment at the artistry of micro-carving and their fascination with traditional Chinese culture while engaging with Pan’s insightful commentary. At Hu Zeyu’s micro-sculpting studio, they admired exquisite depictions of insects on jade. Their curiosity led Jasim from Kyrgyzstan to ask, “Why is this piece titled 'The Dreamland of Xizi'? Isn’t there a spider in it?” Hu explained, “'Xizi' is an elegant term for spiders used in ancient times.” This explanation deepened the guests' appreciation for the richness of Chinese culture.

Craftsmanship Passed Down Through Paper

With each cut and carve, millennia of culture are preserved; with each piece of paper, artistic brilliance unfolds. The art of paper-cutting has a long-standing lineage, tracing back to the Han Dynasty. After centuries of evolution, it has become a vital component of Chinese folk art.

The intricate designs of paper cuts tell vivid stories and embody heartfelt wishes. Under the guidance of Tian Fang, a renowned practitioner of Jiang's Paper-Cutting, a district-level IHC, the international guests explored the origins and characteristics of this art form. Guided by her expertise, they practiced their paper-cutting skills, crafting "福" (blessing) character stickers and "春" (spring) character pendants in preparation for the upcoming Spring Festival, creating meaningful Chinese gifts.

The unique ICH activities left a profound impact on the international guests, who described their experience as a creatively enriching cultural journey. A representative from the Publicity Department of the CPC Bishan District Committee emphasized the district's commitment to ongoing cultural exchange activities, actively fostering communication and helping people worldwide embrace China’s extensive history and vibrant culture. They warmly invited foreign friends to participate and engage in future events.