Listening to Laoqiang and Watching the Marionette Show: A Surprise for Diplomats on Their First Day in Weinan

Caption: On October 29, Rwandan ambassador extraordinary and plenipotentiary to China Charles Kayonga is watching the performance in Weinan Intangible Cultural Heritage Protection Museum [Photo by Shui Lianhua]

On October 29, the Second Foreign Diplomats' the Belt and Road City Tour in Weinan was launched. In the afternoon on that day, ambassadors, envoys, counselors and other diplomats from Iran, Mauritius, South Africa, Rwanda and other countries, as well as a number of former Chinese diplomats, came to the Weinan Intangible Cultural Heritage Protection Museum to experience the unique culture of Weinan.

Weinan Intangible Cultural Heritage Protection Museum presented the performance of Guzheng and Erhu assemble "The Fishman's Song at Duck", Huayin Mihu "The Butcher", Heyang Marionette Drama "Zhong Kui Got Drunk", Huayin Laoqiang and other representative traditional programs in order to welcome the diplomats. The brilliant performance won warm applause from diplomats.

Caption: On October 29, Heyang Marionette Drama "Zhong Kui Got Drunk" played by intangible culture inheritor [Photo by Shui Lianhua]

Apart from the brilliant performance of the actors, Charles Kayonga, ambassador extraordinary and plenipotentiary of Rwanda in China, also praised Weinan's protection of traditional culture. "I didn't expect to see such an ancient art here. Things thousand years ago can still be seen today. This shows that the traditional culture here is protected very well. It is worth learning," he said.

Caption: Performance of Huayin Laoqiang [Photo by Shui Lianhua]

Huayin Laoqiang is called "the most primitive rock" on Loess Plateau. In addition to professional instruments such as Yueqin, Banhu and other professional instruments, articles of daily use that are readily available can also be used as instruments, such as tables and chairs, pots and pans, etc. Huayin Laoqiang reminded Charles Kayonga of the simple and enthusiastic African songs and dances. He thought that China and Africa are miles apart, but have some things in common, such as people's love of life.

The three-day trip of the Belt and Road City Tour into Weinan is a trip for diplomats to experience Weinan's profound history and culture, magnificent natural scenery and rapid changes in economic and social development through in-depth visit. Charles Kayonga said, "The first day trip has surprised me a lot. I am looking forward to the following days."