In mid-November, three cultural gems of Shunyi District—Liangshan Cloisonné, Yangzhen Zengzhuang Drum, and Yangzhen Dragon Lantern—were honored with the title of "Beijing Rural Cultural Brands." These traditions, embodying centuries of craftsmanship, rhythmic drumbeats, and dynamic dragon dances, vividly illustrate the harmonious coexistence of intangible cultural heritage and rural development, injecting cultural vitality into Shunyi's rural revitalization.
**Liangshan Cloisonné: A Renaissance of Glazed Art** Liangshan Cloisonné, an ancient craft celebrated as "copper bones with enamel soul, blossoming in fire," now shines anew in Shunyi. Hu Yujiang, the fourth-generation inheritor, has dedicated 33 years to perfecting the art—from design and filigree to enameling and firing. His innovative "Yanrun" technique, mimicking antique blue glaze, enhances the traditional hues with warmth and depth, preserving its regal elegance while meeting modern tastes. Today, the Liangshan Enamel Factory offers interactive workshops, allowing visitors to experience filigree and enameling firsthand, immersing them in the charm of this intangible heritage.
**Zengzhuang Drum: The "Heartbeat Rhythm" of Eastern Beijing** Known as the "No. 1 Drum in Eastern Beijing," the Zengzhuang Drum, with its 70-cm diameter and 22.5-kg weight, traces its roots to military drums of the Song Dynasty. Its signature "stick-throwing" performance captivates audiences. Inheritor Lü Bingzhong has safeguarded the traditional "Eight Sets" drum scores for four decades while blending them with contemporary rhythms, revitalizing the ancient art. Yangzhen promotes "heritage in schools," teaching drumming to over 1,000 students at Shaling School and setting up interactive exhibits at the Zengzhuang Village Museum. From Olympic test events to harvest festivals, the drum’s thunderous beats have become a sonic emblem of rural Beijing’s spirit.
**Yangzhen Dragon Lantern: A Dance of Fire and Water** With a 200-year history, Yangzhen Dragon Lantern features a fire dragon symbolizing prosperity and a water dragon praying for good harvests. Inheritor Liu Zhenbo has preserved 11 traditional techniques, including "Three Rising Heads" and "Golden Dragon Coiling the Jade Pillar." He also mentors students from Zhongguancun No. 1 Primary School, nurturing over 1,000 young inheritors. The lanterns dazzle at events like the Beijing International Flower Harbor Tulip Festival, becoming a dynamic force in integrating agriculture, culture, and tourism.
From Liangshan Cloisonné’s glazed brilliance to Zengzhuang Drum’s earth-shaking beats and Yangzhen Dragon Lantern’s soaring grace, these traditions transcend time. They innovate, educate, and integrate, proving that true cultural heritage thrives by honoring craftsmanship while embracing modernity. No longer mere relics, they are now driving forces in rural revitalization.