“Living by the Huaihe River” Premieres on the Eve of November 20 Ahead of the 5th International New Materials Industry Conference

The original audio-visual poetry and dance drama “Living by the Huaihe River” debuted at Bengbu Cultural Theater on the evening of November 20. As a project supported by national intangible cultural heritage (ICH) protection funds and Bengbu’s 2024 “Cultural Power City” funding program, it stood out as a brilliant cultural highlight on the eve of the industrial conference, attracting conference participants, tourists, and local residents.

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Crafted by Anhui Huagu Lantern Song and Dance Theater, the drama unlocks the multi-dimensional aesthetic charm of the Huaihe River basin through integrated art forms of music, dance, poetry, and painting. On stage, performers in elegant costumes moved gracefully like waves of the Huaihe River, seamlessly blending modern dance with elements of Huagu Lantern — a national-level ICH. Their vivid movements not only showcased the striving spirit of contemporary Bengbu residents but also exuded the vitality of a happy life, deeply touching the audience. Warm applause echoed through the theater during key scenes; many viewers captured the wonderful moments with photos and videos to share on social media. International participants praised the work’s artistic expression of traditional culture, calling it a vivid window into understanding Bengbu’s cultural heritage.

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Composed of three chapters — “Eternal Charm of Flowing Waters,” “Lingering Affection,” and “Flying Vitality” — the drama artistically presents the stunning scenery, profound history, and simple folk customs of the Huaihe River basin. It depicts a culturally rich portrait of Bengbu, highlighting unique cultural features and forging a new calling card for Anhui’s cultural and tourism sector.

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“As an innovative exploration in folk art creation, ‘Living by the Huaihe River’ not only reflects the new look of Bengbu’s artistic innovation but also provides a vivid model for the creative transformation and innovative development of ICH,” stated a representative from Anhui Huagu Lantern Song and Dance Theater. Polished through multiple joint rehearsals and detail optimization, the premiere allowed the audience to deeply appreciate the charm of Huaihe culture and feel Bengbu’s urban warmth and contemporary vitality.

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This performance demonstrates Bengbu’s firm commitment to the “Cultural Power City” strategy. By leveraging national ICH resources, it enriches the cultural atmosphere ahead of the industrial conference and fully showcases the city’s unique cultural identity to participants and tourists.