Health and Wellness in Shanxi, Summer Retreat in Shanxi — Linfen: Intangible Cultural Heritage Section

Linfen is a place which boasts rich historical and cultural heritage. There are not only fascinating legends and stories, but also ancient and precious intangible cultural heritage.

01 Yicheng Jibi waist drum

The Yicheng Jibi waist drum is a traditional dance art with distinctive features in Linfen area. It is renowned for its magnificent momentum, passionate drumbeats, and the dancers' bold and unrestrained postures. During festivals or celebrations, the Jibi waist drum team will perform in neat formations with coordinated movements and strike deafening drumbeats that instantly ignite the atmosphere, demonstrating the love and pursuit of life by the people of Linfen. It is an indispensable part of the local culture.

02 The paper-cutting art of Quwo

The paper-cutting art of Quwo is renowned in Linfen and even throughout the country for its delicate lines, rich patterns, and profound meanings. The content of these paper-cutting works is extensive, encompassing both traditional auspicious patterns such as “loong and phoenix bringing prosperity” and “abundance every year,” as well as themes that reflect real life and showcase folk customs. The paper-cuttings are lively and vivid, with deep implications, embodying the superb handicraft skills and rich imagination of the people of Linfen.

03 Huozhou Nianmo

Huozhou Nianmo (a traditional steamed bun) has a long history and unique craftsmanship. It uses traditional yeast to leaven the dough without adding any chemical additives, preserving the original mellow aroma of wheat. With its distinctive taste and various shapes, each nianmo carries the wishes for a better life. Nowadays, Huozhou Nianmo has been listed as an intangible cultural heritage.

04 Xiangning purple clay

Xiangning purple clay, with its unique raw material texture and exquisite craftsmanship, holds a place in the Chinese purple clay art circle. Xiangning purple clay artists have been passing down their skills from generation to generation. With their ingenuity, they carefully select, mix, and refine the purple clay materials to create various types of teapots. These teapots are not only elegant and simple in appearance but also excellent choices for brewing tea due to their breathable yet watertight characteristics.

(The images are sourced from the internet. If there is any infringement, they will be removed.)

Source: Comprehensive collation by sx.china.com