A Norwegian student tries her hand at storytelling in Yangzhou. [Photo/ydyl.jiangsu.gov.cn]

A group of over 20 students and teachers from a middle school in Norway visited Yangzhou on March 16 for an engaging cultural experience. The delegation participated in several of Yangzhou's intangible cultural heritage projects and toured iconic sites such as Dongguan Street, closely experiencing the rich cultural charm of the ancient city.

The group met at a quyi theater, where they were paired with students and teachers from Yangzhou Shuren School. They enjoyed performances by artists from the Yangzhou Quyi Research Institute, which included Qingqu, storytelling, and puppet shows. These activities offered the Norwegian visitors a unique cultural journey through time.

The Qingqu performers captivated the audience with their delicate and melodic singing, vividly portraying the gentle charm of the Jiangnan region. After that, a rod puppet show amazed the spectators as puppeteers skillfully manipulated puppets to depict Qing Dynasty (1644-1911) painter Zheng Banqiao creating calligraphy on stage. One Norwegian student remarked, "It's incredible how the puppets' eyes move so realistically; it's as if they have come to life. I can't believe they can even paint!"

The storytelling session recounted the legendary tale of Emperor Qianlong's visit to the south and his nighttime tour of Slender West Lake. One of the Norwegian students commented, "Although I don't fully understand the Yangzhou dialect, I could grasp the meaning through the performer's voice and body language, which completely drew me into the story." She added that Yangzhou is a city full of oriental charm.

Beyond watching the performances, several Norwegian students took to the stage to try their hand at traditional arts. They picked up the xingmu (a type of clapper), donned ancient costumes, and manipulated puppets under the guidance of experienced performers. This hands-on experience provided a meaningful lesson in cultural exchange, deepening their appreciation for China's rich intangible cultural heritage.

Norwegian students learn how to manipulate puppets. [Photo/ydyl.jiangsu.gov.cn]