In September, Jiuzhaigou is graced with pleasant weather and vibrant autumn scenery. This was the afternoon of my second day after arriving by bullet train. Having fully enjoyed the breathtaking landscapes, I decided to delve into the cultural treasures hidden behind the natural beauty—Jiuzhaigou's intangible cultural heritage—to conclude my journey on a perfect note.

Zhouwu Dance Panda [Photo by Yang Wenhan]

To gain a deeper understanding of intangible cultural heritage, I traveled to Caodi Countryside in Jiuzhaigou County. The winding roads of the village are surrounded by unique micro-landscapes reflecting the characteristics of the Baima Xizang culture. The courtyard walls are adorned with mysterious folk paintings, creating a harmonious and beautiful tapestry of coexistence.

Intangible Cultural Heritage Square [Photo by Zeng Lingmeng]

The most striking feature of Caodi Countryside is its unique ethnic customs. It is one of the settlements of the Baima Xizang people, known as the "Home of Baima Culture," the "Home of Baima Wine Songs," and a "Traditional Cultural Village." Yang Liansheng, the secretary of the committee in Xia Caodi Village, enthusiastically explained, "Jiuzhaigou County currently has four national-level intangible heritage items: Nanping Quzi, Dengga Ganzhou Dance (Panda Dance), Zhouwu Dance, and Western Sichuan Xizang Mountain Songs. Caodi Countryside not only possesses all of these but is also the birthplace of the Dengga Ganzhou Dance."

Display of Intangible Heritage Murals [Photo by Zeng Lingmeng]

The Zhouwu Dance of the Baima Xizang people is a prime example of intangible cultural heritage. "Zhou," in the local dialect, means "auspicious mask dance," commonly referred to as the "Dance of Twelve Zodiacs" in Chinese. During festivals and celebrations, locals wear iconic masks of dragons, tigers, lions, and oxen to perform their blessing rituals. "In the Zhouwu Dance, we can see the Baima Xizang people' s pursuit of harmony with animals, as well as the cultural remnants of the ancient 'Dance of a Hundred Beasts,'" Yang Liansheng said.

Interior view of the exhibition hall [Photo by Zeng Lingmeng]

Zhouwu Dance Performance

Zhouwu Dance Performance [Photo by Liu Langtao]

Zhouwu Dance Performance [Photo by Liu Langtao]

The intangible cultural heritage of Caodi Countryside includes not only dance but also music. "Nanping Quzi," originally known as the Nanping Minor Pipa Singing, is commonly referred to as "Quzi" by the locals. It is an essential part of daily life, particularly popular in rural areas. After a day's work, the mountain folk gather under trees or by ponds, playing the three-stringed pipa and clanging ceramic dishes and bowls while singing passionately, creating a lively atmosphere. When discussing it, Yang Liansheng couldn't help but hum a few lines on-site, with lyrics that are melodic and an ending that lingers beautifully.

"This year, we have received thousands of tourists, along with several research teams coming to learn. With the official opening of the Jiuzhai-Mianyang Expressway, we expect the number of visitors to increase significantly, greatly promoting local economic development and the dissemination of intangible heritage," Yang Liansheng expressed with confidence about the future of Caodi Countryside's heritage.

As the day's journey drew to a close, I reflected on this land with a sense of awe. Here, one can personally experience the making of Zhouwu Dance masks and Nanping pipa, as well as savor the natural cuisine nurtured by the sun at 30 degrees north latitude. These intangible cultural heritages serve as bridges connecting the past and future, allowing ancient wisdom to endure. These precious cultural legacies that bestow Jiuzhaigou with deeper charm, enabling every traveler who visits to take away a unique memory. (By Qin Kang)