Counting down to the Lunar New Year, Pingtan, an international tourism island off southeast China’s Fujian province, prepares to herald the new year with an array of intangible cultural heritage performances featuring Pingtan Shell Carving crafts, Min opera performances, Ciming Pupperty, and the captivating art of Cane Shield Exercise, presented by some of the island's esteemed inheritors of the craft. 

Savoring the Festive Spirit through Shell Carving 

At the Fujian Shell Carving (Pingtan) Art Museum, the rhythmic sound of grinding echoes as Zhou Mingzheng, a local inheritor of Pingtan Shell Carving, meticulously assembles assorted seashells to create exquisite daffodils. Crafting the petals involves the intricate process of transforming hard shells into naturally curved leaves. Zhou Mingzheng shares that the demand for daffodil-esque shell crafts has surged.

Journeying through Time with Min Opera

Wei Yuquan, head of Pingtan Min Opera Troupe, reveals that Min Opera in Pingtan originates from the central and eastern coastal regions of Fujian. The performances carry themes of patriotism, national integrity, and moral values, making it a cultural gem of Pingtan. During the upcoming Spring Festival, the troupe plans to spread the joy of the new year through the rich narratives of Min Opera.

Rediscovering Ancient Puppetry

Lin Xinhui, known as the guardian of Ciming Puppetry in Pingtan, has played a pivotal role in reviving this ancient art form with a history of over 360 years. Ciming Puppety features both human and puppet performances and has become a significant research subject in Chinese drama and puppetry development. The art form was recognized as Fujian's seventh batch of provincial intangible cultural heritage in 2022, and efforts are underway to elevate it to the national level.

Cane Shield Exercise: A Martial Arts Dance

Jiang Xinhua, president of Pingtan Cane Shield Exercise Association, showcases the dynamic martial arts dance. Originating from military tactics created by General Qi Jiguang during the Ming Dynasty, Cane Shield Exercise has evolved into a captivating blend of martial arts, gymnastics, and dance. It has gained popularity and is set to tour around Pingtan during the upcoming Spring Festival.

In conclusion, these diverse non-heritage cultural activities promise to bring the essence of tradition and the spirit of the new year to audiences, ensuring the continuity of Pingtan's rich cultural legacy.