Ancient Town’s Intangible Cultural Heritage Extravaganza: A Fiery Lantern Festival Celebration

A blaze of lights illuminated the ancient town of Baisha in Jiangjin on February 12th, as it celebrated the Lantern Festival with a grand-scale folk cultural event. The “Celebrating the Lantern Festival in the New Spring” offered a vibrant display of intangible cultural heritage, a rich festive atmosphere, and lively folk customs, structured into four chapters: “Golden Snakes Offering Auspiciousness,” “Spirited Snakes Delivering Blessings,” “Fiery Snakes Ushering in Happiness,” and “Brocade Snakes Celebrating the Year.”

(Photo/Tang Jinghan)

A Night of Fiery Splendor: Intangible Cultural Heritage Feast Opens a New Chapter

The festivities began at Baisha Town Government Square, where 22 folk performance teams delivered spirited performances. The opening ceremony featured a red-ribbon tying and blessing.

Dazzling intangible cultural heritage folk performances followed, each a unique expression of local culture. “Brocaded Baisha” showcased the dynamic interplay of lotus-flower-shaped hand cannons and graceful dance. “Dragon’s Journey with Auspicious Rain” was a prayer for favorable weather. “Brocade Carp Playing in Spring” was lively and nimble, captivating the audience. “Dragon Dance: A Magnificent Chapter” exuded grandeur and power. “Jinsha Martial Arts” blended strength and grace in a display of discipline. “Lion and Dragon Greetings for the New Year” propelled the atmosphere to a thrilling climax. The performances also included elements of Sichuan Opera, known for its expressive masks and dramatic storytelling, further enriching the cultural experience.”

(Photo/Tang Jinghan)

A parade formation composed of performance teams and local folk art troupes then embarked on a New Year folk greeting tour along the town’s main thoroughfare, featuring four themed floats that attracted many tourists. The parade teams interacted with the crowds, creating a vibrant and joyful atmosphere.

(Photo/Su Shengyu)

The highlight of the evening was the intangible cultural heritage “Iron Flower Performance.” Molten iron was hurled into the night sky, transforming into an “iron flower waterfall,” resembling a fallen galaxy. Dragon dance teams weaved through the sparks, creating a spectacular display. The crowds lingered, captivated by the “night of fiery splendor.”

(Photo/Tang Jinghan)

Throughout the event, the “Intangible cultural heritage fun streets” on Donghua Street and Minsheng Street were open, featuring Sichuan Opera, riddle guessing, intangible cultural heritage artisan demonstrations, the God of Wealth offering blessings, and Tangyuan (sweet dumplings).

A River Reflects the Past and Present: A Thousand Years of Culture Forms a Poem

Baisha Town, a millennium-old town on the Yangtze River, is a witness to history and a guardian of culture. Established in 987 AD, it has nurtured seven cultural hallmarks: ancient town, education, resistance against Japan, celebrities, folk customs, winemaking, and film and television. The “Baisha Model” of cultural and tourism integration is now thriving.

The protection and inheritance of intangible cultural heritage (ICH) is a priority. Baisha has secured several ICH projects and launched the “New Melody of Heritage: Inheriting Baisha” ICH master class. Integrated projects encompassing ICH performances, experiences, cuisine, and study tours have been developed, along with cultural and creative products under the theme of “ICH Craftsmanship.”

Film and television and cultural tourism are mutually beneficial. Several film and television projects have been established in Baisha Town, attracting filming for over 200 productions. The China (Baisha) Film Industry Film Week promotes industrial clustering. The town also develops smart tour guide systems and quality tourism routes.

Cultural relics have been revitalized. Baisha Town has implemented cultural relic protection projects, restoring anti-Japanese war sites and building exhibition halls. Collaborations with enterprises have established museums and studios, attracting 400,000 visitors annually.

Industrial Takeoff Draws a Grand Blueprint: The Rise of a New City Opens a New Chapter

Baisha Town is promoting industry through culture and supporting culture with the city, fostering shared prosperity.

In 2024, Baisha Town’s gross regional product exceeded 12.8 billion yuan, with industrial output reaching 15.1 billion yuan. A new energy industry cluster, led by photovoltaics, is developing, along with a consumer goods industry cluster represented by Jiangxiaobai Liquor Industry.

Baisha Town adheres to integrated urban-rural development. In 2024, urban and rural residents’ income grew, small parking lots and pocket parks were built, old residential communities were renovated, the road network was improved, and public services were enhanced.

Baisha Town is writing a new chapter with culture as its soul, industry as its foundation, and the people as its core. As it concludes its “14th Five-Year Plan,” this ancient town is progressing toward becoming “a city of emerging industries and cultural creativity.”