Qingdao Explained: Beaches, Beer, and the German Footprint on a Chinese Coastal City
Qingdao is often sold in three easy images: sea breeze, cold beer, and red-roofed streets that look a little bit European. For first-time visitors, that
Throughout China’s 5,000-year-old civilisation, countless cultural treasures have been nurtured. At LearnChinesePerth in Claremont, Western Australia, we offer more than just a Chinese language classroom—we provide a window into Chinese culture. As the lead teacher, I take this opportunity to guide students in exploring the depth and breadth of Chinese culture while they learn the language. Today, let’s step into our classroom to experience the unique charm of several Chinese intangible cultural heritage items and understand their historical legacy and cultural significance.
Shadow puppetry is one of China’s oldest performing arts, with Longjiang shadow puppetry being particularly distinctive. This art form originated from northern Chinese fishing and hunting cultures and primitive shamanic beliefs, with a history spanning two thousand years. Longjiang shadow puppetry is known for its bold, uninhibited singing style and lively, humorous performances that vividly showcase the folk characteristics of northeastern China. The puppet designs are unique, incorporating elements from northern minority ethnic costumes and exuding a strong sense of everyday life.
During performances, artists project light onto a translucent screen and manipulate the joints of shadow puppets to bring stories to life. This art form, where light and shadow intertwine, was once a crucial entertainment activity in rural evenings. However, with the rise of modern entertainment, this ancient art gradually faded from public view. Today, Longjiang shadow puppetry has been revitalised through innovation and preservation, incorporating modern lighting techniques and children’s theatrical elements to make it more accessible to younger audiences.
Face-changing in Sichuan Opera is an astonishing skill that represents not only a signature art form in Sichuan theatrical traditions but also a mysterious stage performance. This technique was initially used to express character mood changes, conveying complex emotions through rapid mask changes—red representing anger, blue symbolising melancholy. The art originated during the Qianlong period of the Qing Dynasty and has been continuously refined over hundreds of years.
The face-changing technique requires exceptional skill and speed, with performers typically completing mask transitions in the blink of an eye, leaving audiences amazed. As Sichuan Opera has reached international stages, this skill has become a highlight in Chinese cultural exchanges. Despite strict limitations on learning this technique, it remains an essential part of Chinese operatic culture, demonstrating the coexistence of delicacy and spectacle in traditional Chinese arts.
Paper cutting is one of China’s oldest folk arts, with Beibei paper cutting standing out as a brilliant gem among them. This art form originated during the Tang Dynasty when the Shu region was being developed, with content often featuring talented scholars, beautiful ladies, and auspicious patterns. Beibei paper cutting is characterised by its elegant and gentle beauty, forming a stark contrast to the bold and exaggerated paper cutting styles of the Yellow River region.
Paper cutting is more than just a decorative item; it carries people’s aspirations for a better life. In the Bashu region, it is commonly used to decorate windows and lanterns or given as festive gifts. Modern Beibei paper cutting has innovated on traditional techniques, incorporating elements like dyeing and decorative painting to create more three-dimensional, vibrant, and contemporary works. These creations not only showcase the unique natural scenery and folk culture of the Bashu region but also spread Chinese paper cutting art worldwide through international exchange activities.
The silver forging craftsmanship of the Miao people is an intangible cultural heritage filled with ethnic characteristics, with a history dating back thousands of years. Miao silver jewellery is known for its intricate complexity, including headdresses, necklaces, bracelets, and more, each piece embodying the wisdom and dedication of the craftsmen. These silver ornaments are not merely decorative items but important symbols of Miao culture and identity.
The silver forging process involves multiple complex steps, including melting, hammering, and carving, with each detail reflecting the craftsman’s exceptional skill. During traditional Miao festivals or weddings, people wear silver jewellery to express joy and display family wealth and status. In modern society, this craft has entered the fashion stage through innovative designs, allowing more people to appreciate the beauty of Miao culture.
Huizhou wood carving, as an important branch of traditional Chinese carving art, is renowned for its meticulous detail and ingenious conception. This art form originated during the Ming and Qing dynasties and became an essential component of architectural decoration in the Huizhou region. From ancestral halls to residential homes, from furniture to screens, Huizhou wood carvings are ubiquitous, adding endless charm to ancient architecture.
Huizhou wood carving emphasises detail, with themes often including flowers, birds, fish, insects, historical stories, or folk legends, offering both decorative value and symbolic meaning. In modern society, this skill has gradually expanded from architecture to artistic creation and has become an important focus of intangible cultural heritage protection. It not only demonstrates ancient craftsmen’s pursuit of aesthetics and practicality but also provides valuable material for studying traditional Chinese culture.
As the lead teacher at LearnChinesePerth, I deeply feel that sharing these intangible cultural heritage items while teaching Chinese is incredibly meaningful. Whenever I introduce traditional arts like shadow puppetry, face-changing, or paper cutting to students, I can see curiosity and excitement sparkling in their eyes. These art forms not only make the classroom more lively and interesting but also give students a more intuitive understanding of Chinese culture.
In my view, these traditional arts are like windows allowing students to see the rich diversity of Chinese culture. Through hands-on experience and interaction, students not only learn the language but also feel the warmth of the culture. This experiential learning approach often inspires a deeper interest in Chinese among students and makes learning more natural and enjoyable.
In the classroom, I often encourage students to try activities themselves, such as paper cutting or making simple shadow puppets. These practical activities not only deepen their understanding of the culture but also improve their language skills in a relaxed and pleasant atmosphere. Seeing the enthusiasm and creativity students display after learning about these traditional cultures brings me great joy. It strengthens my belief that language learning and cultural heritage are inseparable.
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