American youth expressed delight and fascination as they immersed themselves in the rich tapestry of Chinese cultural heritage during the Bond with Kuliang: 2024 China-US Youth Festival, which opened in Fuzhou, Fujian province, on June 24.

American visitors appreciate Chinese porcelain during the Youth Fair and Exhibition & Performance of Fujian Intangible Cultural Heritage in Fuzhou, Fujian province, on June 24, 2024. [Photo/bondwithkuliang.org.cn]

The festival, which featured a Youth Fair and Exhibition & Performance of Fujian Intangible Cultural Heritage, showcased a vibrant array of local arts.

Visitors were treated to performances such as the energetic Wing Chun martial arts, which captivated the audience with its precision and power, while classical Min Opera The Peony Pavilion evoked an emotional response, with the distinctive costumes and melodious local dialect.

The Youth Fair and Exhibition & Performance of Fujian Intangible Cultural Heritage includes Wing Chun martial arts performances. [Photo/bondwithkuliang.org.cn]

A foreign visitor learns Jinjiang hand puppet skills at the Youth Fair and Exhibition & Performance of Fujian Intangible Cultural Heritage in Fuzhou, Fujian province, on June 26, 2024. [Photo/bondwithkuliang.org.cn]

The highlight of the event was the display of intangible cultural heritage, where artisans demonstrated skills passed down through generations. From intricate Jinjiang hand puppets to the vigorous Xiamen chest-clapping dance, the Chinese and American audience witnessed firsthand the essence of Fujian puppetry as well as the ancient rituals of Minyue, which marks the beginning of Fujian's history.

"These intangible cultural heritage items are not only a precious spiritual asset of the Chinese nation, but also a shared treasure of humanity. In today's world with highly advanced information technology, it's our responsibility and obligation to inherit and promote these folk arts and traditional skills, injecting them with new vitality in modern society," said an organizer of the event.

Beyond performances and exhibitions, the fair featured a fusion of traditional craftsmanship with contemporary trends in cultural and creative products. American and Chinese youth mingled, exploring booths exhibiting handmade items and trendy fashion pieces.

Chinese and American visitors communicate with staff at the booth of Fuzhou Gaolou rice strings during the Youth Fair and Exhibition & Performance of Fujian Intangible Cultural Heritage in Fuzhou, Fujian province, on June 26, 2024. [Photo/bondwithkuliang.org.cn]

"Absolutely stunning! This is made from rice?" exclaimed young Americans at the booth of Chen Guorui, a representative inheritor of Fuzhou Gaolou rice strings. Intrigued by the craftsmanship, they marveled at such artworks as the appealing pink lotus, delicately translucent cabbage and golden gleaming pears made entirely from rice, previously mistaking them for plastic.

Chen explained that the craft originates from Gaolou village in Guhuai town, Changle district in Fuzhou. The name “rice strings" comes from using rice as threads to weave the artworks.

Enthusiastic American youths listened to Chen’s explanation and eagerly requested to take photos with him, which kept him quite busy. Nonetheless, Chen was very pleased with their recognition and appreciation of his craft.

"The Gaolou rice strings technique had been nearly lost for almost 70 years. After I rediscovered this unique skill in my hometown, I have started teaching related courses in kindergartens, elementary and secondary schools, and even universities in Changle. My goal is to pass on this technique to future generations," he said.

A visitor communicates with staff at the booth of tie-dye works during the Youth Fair and Exhibition & Performance of Fujian Intangible Cultural Heritage in Fuzhou, Fujian province, on June 26, 2024. [Photo/bondwithkuliang.org.cn]

The fair also facilitated personal interactions between international visitors and Chinese artisans. Zhang Hanmin, renowned for her tie-dye art, a traditional folk technique of the Bai ethnic group from Yunnan, attracted a lot of attention with her vibrant works, prompting several American youths to ask to contact her for future visits to the province.

"Interacting with other young Chinese artisans has allowed me to experience the diversity of Chinese culture," Zhang said, adding that seeing foreigners' appreciation for traditional Chinese culture, she has come to understand the significance of inheriting traditional culture, as well as the power of cultural confidence. This has instilled in her a sense of mission to pass down and promote intangible cultural heritage skills.

Staff members explain the manufacturing techniques of Chinese Jianzhan porcelain to an American visitor at the Youth Fair and Exhibition & Performance of Fujian Intangible Cultural Heritage in Fuzhou, Fujian province, on June 26, 2024. [Photo/bondwithkuliang.org.cn]

US visitors were also drawn to Chinese Jianzhan porcelain when they arrived at Zhou Jianping's booth. Zhou, a representative inheritor of this intangible cultural heritage project at the city level in Nanping, said, "The porcelain is fired at 1,300 degrees Celsius," which astonished the visitors.

Zhou explained the firing process, the variety of colors and techniques involved in porcelain manufacturing, showing videos stored on his phone. Impressed by the craftsmanship, the visitors expressed a keen interest in staying connected with him, suggesting exchanging WeChat contacts for future communication.

For many American youths visiting China for the first time, this fair has indeed opened a gateway to explore the rich and diverse facets of Chinese culture. 

Chinese and American youth engage in paper-cutting activities at the Youth Fair and Exhibition & Performance of Fujian Intangible Cultural Heritage in Fuzhou, Fujian province, on June 26, 2024. [Photo/bondwithkuliang.org.cn]

The exchange wasn't just about observing; it was also about hands-on participation. Many young Americans enthusiastically engaged in such activities as crafting Quanzhou city stamps and learning Pucheng paper-cutting, expressing a particular affinity for art pieces infused with traditional Chinese elements.