On March 24, 2025 in Yulin, China, a group of international visitors arrived at the Northern Shaanxi Folk Song Museum. Professional folk singer Wang Zhixing kicked off the cultural tour with an impromptu song. The folk songs of Northern Shaanxi, known for their high pitches and persistent rhymes, have been sung for generations in the province. From work songs to love duets, weddings, funerals, festivals, and rituals, these folk songs faithfully reflect the emotions of the people. In 2006, they were included in China’s first batch of intangible cultural heritage list. After listening to the song, one foreigner remarked, "This song showcases the beauty of China: I may not understand it, but I can feel everything."

At the Yulin Folk Art Research Institute, a group of artists is putting the finishing touches on preparations for the 2025 National Yangko Festival. Originating from the Ming and Qing dynasties, Shaanbei Yangko is a blend of dance, opera, and folk rituals meant for farmers during their leisure time, showcasing the optimism of the Loess Plateau residents. In 2008, Northern Shaanxi Yangko was inscribed on China’s national intangible cultural heritage list.

In 2025, the Yulin Lantern Festival will not only host Yangko teams from across China but also folk art troupes from Bulgaria, Thailand, South Korea, and Russia. This fusion of Eastern and Western cultures has breathed new life into the ancient Shaanxi Yangko. Foreigners have commented, "I love their performance and dance, it was amazing. The collective celebration of Chinese New Year breaks away from the Western model of family holidays." By participating in the Yangko parade, foreigners have not only appreciated the charm of intangible cultural heritage but also understood the profound meaning of cultural heritage. "The cultural assurance reflected in the eyes of the artists allows us to see 5,000 years of civilization. I respect and love this culture."

From the melodic atmosphere of the folk song museum to the immersive experience of street Yangko, Yulin has built intercultural bridges through the arts of intangible cultural heritage for its friends from China and beyond. These lively notes and dance steps are a colorful gift for Chinese New Year and a code for the world to understand the culture of this province, infusing a new era of vitality into the intangible cultural heritage of Northern Shaanxi.

Video – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2648002/video.mp4

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