23rd Hechi Bronze Drum Folk Song Art Festival kicks off in Hechi, Guangxi

A gala performance is held at the opening ceremony of the 23rd Hechi Bronze Drum Folk Song Art Festival, which is being held in Jinchengjiang district of Hechi in South China's Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region. [Photo/Hechi Daily]

The 23rd Hechi Bronze Drum Folk Song Art Festival opened in Jinchengjiang district of Hechi in South China's Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region on Nov 14, serving as a vibrant celebration of the traditional bronze drum.

The opening ceremony, which began at 8 pm, featured a gala performance with the prelude "Drum·Traces", and was divided into three captivating chapters: "Millennia of Drum Rhythms," "Unity through Drums," and "Drumming into the Future." This event highlighted the enduring legacy of bronze drum culture in local area, blending it with modern tourism elements to showcase the unique ethnic culture of Hechi and reinforcing the importance of fostering the sense of community for the Chinese nation.

Addressing the opening ceremony, Mayor Wang Jun noted that Hechi is home to Guangxi's only national-level reserve for bronze drum culture and boasts 13 national intangible cultural heritage projects, leading the region in cultural preservation.

He said that the area's stunning karst landscapes complement its rich cultural heritage, including the ancient Liu Sanjie ballads and vibrant silk traditions. These cultural and natural treasures are integral to the spirit of Hechi's people, providing cultural confidence and strength for future development, he added.

Wang highlighted the diverse activities, which include artistic performances, intangible cultural heritage displays, and art exhibitions, saying that they blend tradition with innovation, establishing the festival as an enduring cultural brand and advancing Hechi as an international destination for tourism and wellness.