An event themed on the preservation of Jiangnan Sizhu (a folk instrumental music played with Chinese traditional string and woodwind instruments in the southern region of the Yangtze River) took place from Nov 7 to 8 in Taicang, the cradle of this national intangible cultural heritage (ICH) item.

On the first day, the 21st Taicang Jiangnan Sizhu Competition kicked off the event, with 32 teams from all townships and districts across the city participating. Participants of four generations with their instrumental virtuosity and rich expressions showcased the vibrant atmosphere and the deep root of Taicang as the hometown of Jiangnan Sizhu.

On the morning of Nov 8, a symposium convened, gathering experts and scholars of intangible cultural heritage centers across the Yangtze River Delta (YRD) region, including Jiangsu, Zhejiang, Shanghai, and Anhui. Their discussions centered on important topics such as the preservation of techniques, the innovation of genres, the cultivation of talent, and the development of teams, offering fresh insight into the future development of Jiangnan Sizhu.

A Jiangnan Sizhu performance presented by Taicang Cultural Center's folk music ensemble on Nov 8. [Photo/WeChat account: TaicangTourism]

Then, a high-level concert came alive on stage, featuring 11 outstanding ensembles from throughout the YRD.

The Taicang Cultural Center's folk music ensemble lit up the venue with lively tunes of Kan Hua Deng (literally watching lanterns), recreating the festive Lantern Festival scene of lantern-viewing and garden strolling. A troupe from Shanghai's Yangjing sub-district presented Lanterns and The Moon in Radiance, painting a poetic picture of Jiangnan nights with musical notes, full of Chinese aesthetic appeal.

Fuyang Normal University's team performed Yan Shui Qing Lan (literally misty waters and serene mist) using music and imagery to depict Jiangnan landscapes, creating an ethereal and dreamy atmosphere. Performers from Hangzhou Art School performed a medley showcasing the serene beauty of Jiangnan and the vibrant folk life there.

Opened alongside the event was a traditional bazaar with 18 stalls displaying other local ICH items, such as Taicang dried meat floss, Taicang wine-pickled oil, and dragon and lion making crafts in Shuangfeng town.