Chaozhou Ancient City Immersive Experience Resonates with Global Teochew Communities: Cultural Confidence Shines Through Revitalized Heritage

Teochew Compatriots from Around the World Gather in Chaozhou Ancient City

A recent immersive experience event themed "Hometown of the Heart" was held in the ancient city of Chaozhou. As a key part of the 23rd Teochew International Convention, the event recreated the vibrant atmosphere of the ancient city through six themed experiences— "Entering the City," "Tea Ceremony," "Dining," "Leisurely Stroll," "Opera Appreciation," and "Shopping." It attracted over 1,800 Teochew compatriots from home and abroad, who gathered in Chaozhou to embark on an immersive cultural journey.

From the powerful drumming at Zhenhai Tower to the melodious Teochew opera in Zaiyang Teahouse, and from the hospitality embodied in the Gongfu tea ceremony to the intangible cultural heritage market on Paifang Street, Chaozhou showcased to the unique charm of a "living ancient city" through narratives rooted in everyday life.

Ancient City Welcome: Traditional Ceremonies Awaken Cultural Memory

Yingge Dance Performance in Front of Zhenhai Tower

Lion Dance Performance in Front of Zhenhai Tower

The event began with welcoming performances in front of Guangji Tower, featuring lion dances, carp dances, and 24 Solar Terms drum performances.

Li Kangdi, head of the Chaozhou Grand Gong and Drum troupe, introduced that an impressive formation of 48 Solar Terms drums was arranged to extend a heartfelt welcome to returning compatriots. The vigorous steps of the Yingge dancers and the resonant rhythms of the grand drums instantly ignited the atmosphere. Chen Jieying, Secretary-General of the New York Teochew Association, remarked, "The familiar local sounds and performances filled me with deep pride in Teochew culture."

The Aroma of Gongfu Tea: Inheritance and Warmth in a Cup of Tea

Guests Savoring Gongfu Tea

Chaozhou is a city steeped in the fragrance of tea. The "Tea Ceremony" segment, designed as a three-dimensional tea space, enveloped guests with familiar local dialects and the aroma of Gongfu tea drifting through the streets. Seated around elegant tea tables, participants savored the sophistication of this intangible cultural heritage tea. A single cup embodies the philosophy of "Harmony, Respect, Refinement, and Joy" and conveys the warmth of Chaozhou's neighborly hospitality—vividly expressing the cultural core that "Gongfu tea equals Chaozhou hospitality."

Tea artist Wen Yiman stated, "Offering tea is the most genuine form of hospitality among Teochew people." Tang Yunlin, Executive Vice Chairwoman of the Shenzhen Jinguo Chaozhou Chamber of Commerce, was moved by the story of an 11-year-old tea prodigy: "The child learning tea art not for livelihood, but to cultivate respect for culture from a young age. True inheritance does not lie in museums, but in everyday life—in a cup of tea and a heartfelt conversation."

Intangible Cultural Heritage Performances: Blending Ancient and Modern to Revitalize the City

24 Solar Terms Drum Performance

At Zaiyang Teahouse, excerpts of Teochew opera were performed one after another, with overseas Teochew guests humming along to the familiar melodies. On Paifang Street, the "Mansion Tower Monkey"-themed market brought together 41 booths featuring cultural-creative products, handicrafts, and local specialties, creating a lively atmosphere.

According to Zhang Zhixin, the project lead of the cultural-creative market, the "Shopping" segment focused on integrating intangible cultural heritage with creative product design to promote Chaozhou's distinctive culture. "Our Gongfu tea and signature 'Three Treasures' give guests an enjoyable shopping experience," she noted. Lin Pengfeng, Party Secretary of the Maoming Chaozhou Chamber of Commerce, praised the products: "Theses creative cultural products are both innovative and richly Teochew in character. I hope to help introduce them to more places."

The evening "Two Banks, One River" light show and the stage play "The Great Tide Returns: Dreaming of Chaozhou" expressed homeland and national sentiments through modern language. Xu Huishen, Chairman of the Thailand Teochew Association, said, "The performance reminded me of my mother's teaching that 'our roots lie in Chaozhou,' bringing tears to my eyes."

Global Echoes: Cultural Identity Fosters Shared Development

Teochew Compatriots Experience the Charm of Chaozhou Ancient City

Traditional and modern elements resonated, while culture and innovation thrived side by side. The immersive experience allowed overseas and local guests to rediscover the charm of the ancient city as their "Hometown of the Heart." Through the platform of the Teochew International Convention, Chaozhou demonstrated to the world its distinctive urban character—where historical culture blends seamlessly with contemporary life—and promoted the global reach of Teochew culture.

Wu Zeying, Executive Chairman of the Washington D.C. Teochew Chamber of Commerce, commented, "Chaozhou has excelled in preserving ancient architecture and safeguarding inheriting intangible cultural heritage. It deserves global recognition." Wang Xigang, Executive President of the New Zealand Teochew Association, said the Yingge dance "showcases the heroic spirit of the Chinese people," and expressed his intention to promote economic and cultural exchanges between Chaozhou and New Zealand in the future.

Many guests noted that Chaozhou's immersive experiences help younger generations understand their cultural roots. Shen Jiayang, Vice Chairman of the Hong Kong–Shenzhen Teochew Youth Association, said, "Every time I return, I see new changes, but what remains unchanged is the deep affection of home."

Chaozhou's Narrative: From "Hometown" to the World

Teochew Compatriots Holding Flags Enter Guangji Bridge

This event was not only a cultural feast but also a successful demonstration of international communication.

Upholding the concept of "seeing people, objects, and everyday life," Chaozhou integrates intangible cultural heritage into contemporary settings, enabling Teochew people worldwide to reconnect emotionally through local sounds, flavors, and arts. As Ye Shaokun, Vice President of the International Teochew Youth Federation, said, "Roots and kinship lead to a flourishing homeland and nation." With culture as its bridge, Chaozhou presents to the world an urban model where tradition and modernity coexist and where cultural vibrancy complements economic prosperity. (Text by Che Yuanyuan; Photos provided by the Publicity Department of the Chaozhou Municipal Committee)