STORY: Cultural revival helps retain charm of rural China
SHOOTING TIME: April 20, 2024
DATELINE: May 21, 2024
LENGTH: 00:01:52
LOCATION: WUYUAN/LIUZHOU, China
CATEGORY: ECONOMY/CULTURE

SHOTLIST:
1. various of Wuyuan County in Jiangxi Province
2. SOUNDBITE 1 (Chinese): CAO WENJUAN, Owner of an oil-paper umbrella shop in Wuyuan
3. various of Liuzhou City in Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region
4. SOUNDBITE 2 (Chinese): LIU YUWEN, Deputy director of intangible cultural heritage research department, Liuzhou Mass Art Museum

STORYLINE:
As China endeavors to revitalize its rural areas, many forgotten cultural traditions, particularly in small counties and villages, are being revived, leading to a trend known as "county travel."

Wuyuan County, Jiangxi Province

Known to many as "China's most beautiful countryside," Wuyuan saw a record 26.2 million visitors from across the nation last year.

The making of the Jialu oil-paper umbrella is a national-level intangible cultural heritage that boasts a history of over 800 years. These traditional handcrafted umbrellas have now become sought-after fashion items among visitors at this iconic destination.

SOUNDBITE 1 (Chinese): CAO WENJUAN, Owner of an oil-paper umbrella shop in Wuyuan
"There are over 70 steps in making an oil-paper umbrella. The patterns are all hand-painted. After it's painted, we brush wood oil on it."

Liuzhou City, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region

"Sanyuesan" is a traditional Chinese ethnic festival, showcasing a diverse range of intangible cultural heritages. This year, the "Guangxi Sanyuesan Bagui Carnival" series of events ran from April 11 to May 11.

During the festivities, people from various ethnic groups in Guangxi dress in traditional costumes, play bronze drums, sing folk songs, and join a cultural feast with guests from various countries.

Since ancient times, Liuzhou has been renowned as a hub of musical expression, with singing stages set up all year round.

The Yufeng singing event in Liuzhou is reputed to attract "a sea of people with its captivating melodies."

SOUNDBITE 2 (Chinese): LIU YUWEN, Deputy director of intangible cultural heritage research department, Liuzhou Mass Art Museum
"Every year on 'Sanyuesan,' an incredibly thrilling 'Folk Song King' competition takes place here."

Xinhua News Agency correspondents reporting from Wuyuan/Liuzhou, China.
(XHTV)