On June 21, Maoming launched its 2025 "Cultural and Natural Heritage Day" sub-venue events at the Gaozhou Baiqiao Service Area, combining the "Qilai Chenxu 2.0" campaign with efforts to boost cultural tourism and rural revitalization under the "High-quality Development Project for Guangdong Counties, Towns and Villages."
The launching ceremony
Amid the scent of Maoming's iconic lychees, the opening ceremony honored the city's newest batch of Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) bearers with certificates and lychee gifts, symbolizing the renewal of time-honored traditions.
Certificate presentation ceremony for Maoming's sixth batch of ICH representative bearers.
A vibrant lineup of ICH performances followed. Highlights included the Huazhou Hulou Dance, a tribute to ancient agricultural rites; the nationally recognized Huazhou Tiaohuapeng Dance, which blends Nuo ritual with folk energy; and the Gaozhou Puppet Show, which brought traditional puppetry to life with a modern flair. Martial arts demonstrations from Huazhou Wangjia Quan and Maonan Hong Quan showcased the dynamic legacy of local ICH.
Jubilant Huazhou Hulou Dance.
Rustic Huazhou Tiaohuapeng Dance.
ICH martial arts showcase
Gaozhou Puppetry with an exotic twist
The captivating performances draw crowds of enthusiastic spectators.
The venue featured immersive spaces such as a Digital ICH Exhibition Hall, Handicraft Workshop, and Cultural Corridor—creating a cultural experience that was "explorable, tasty, playable, shoppable, and experiential." By fusing lychee culture with ICH, the event supports the deep integration of agriculture, culture, and tourism in Maoming.
The heritage celebration will continue with additional activities, inviting residents and tourists to explore the richness of Lingnan culture through Maoming's living traditions.
Reporter & Photo: Zhou Liang
Editor: Liu Lingzhi, James, Shen He
