The Sanxing Lantern Festival Drums and Gongs, recognized as part of the eighth batch of Suzhou's intangible cultural heritage, are an iconic tradition in Sanxing subdistrict, Zhangjiagang. For many locals, the mingling of drumbeats, gongs, and laughter creates a cherished childhood memory of vibrant Chinese New Year celebrations.
Villagers in Sanxing subdistrict beat drums and gongs to celebrate the upcoming Chinese New Year. [Photo/WeChat account: zhangjiagangfabu365]
The Sanxing Lantern Festival Drums and Gongs boast a history of over 100 years. The ensemble features four instruments: a large copper gong, a small copper gong, a cymbal, and a drum. A team of four musicians, each playing one instrument, works in perfect unison to produce the dynamic rhythms, introduced Wang Rongjuan, an inheritor of this art.
The 73-year-old inheritor has performed the Sanxing Lantern Festival Drums and Gongs for nearly 60 years. "Playing the drum requires boldness," Wang explains, "It's about conveying spirit, energy, and good fortune."
"I remember watching the performances during Chinese New Year celebrations. I'd always squeeze my way to the front row. They looked so impressive," said Wang. At 14, when her village hosted a cultural performance, she eagerly signed up for her first Lantern Festival Drums and Gongs performance. From that moment, the sound of drums and gongs became a constant presence in her life.
Even today, Wang dedicates her free time to sharing this tradition with her community. She often leads the village Lantern Festival Drums and Gongs team into local neighborhoods, teaching younger generations to play the instruments with hands-on guidance.
"Drumming feels magical to me," says Zhou Ziyang, one of the students. "Whenever I play, it makes everyone around me happy and brings me joy. I hope one day to take this tradition to a bigger stage and let more people hear the vibrant sound of Sanxing Lantern Festival Drums and Gongs."
With their powerful rhythms and bold energy, Sanxing Lantern Festival Drums and Gongs not only evoke the festive spirit of Chinese New Year but also embody the resilience and vitality of Zhangjiagang's people. They are a resounding anthem of hope and happiness, celebrating the promise of a brighter future in the rhythm of tradition.