Under the afternoon sun of Xining, CGTN host Yang Xinmeng set out on a cultural speedrun at the Xihai 2261 Hehuang Culture Fair. Named for Qinghai's ancient name Xihai, the city's 2261-meter elevation and its cradle of civilization along the Yellow River tributaries, the fair is a living museum of plateau traditions.
In just four hours, Yang dove into a world of intricate handicrafts. She began by mastering the delicate cuts of Hehuang paper art, where a single sheet transforms into lace-like scenes of mountain peaks and flowing rivers. At the embroidery stall, artisans guided her through the precise stitches of Huangzhong appliqué, each thread weaving stories of local legends and landscapes.
Next up was shadow puppetry: Yang learned how to bring painted leather figures to life, manipulating limbs behind a glowing screen as traditional melodies set the rhythm. She rounded off her tour by trying her hand at silver-copper ware, shaping metal with age-old techniques to create ornate bowls and ornaments.
Beyond the hands-on workshops, the fair buzzed with live performances and local storytellers, offering young global travelers a chance to connect with centuries of intangible heritage. For digital nomads and culture buffs alike, Xihai 2261 is more than a fair—it’s a sprint through time, a testament to the power of community craft and cultural exchange on the high plateau.
Reference(s):
Cultural Speedrun: Xihai 2261's Intangible Heritage Challenge
cgtn.com
