In recent years, Shawan City has prioritized people-centered development by continuously improving its public cultural service system and extending high-quality cultural resources to grassroots communities, enriching the spiritual and cultural lives of residents.
At Wulanwusu Town’s cultural center, enthusiasts from nearby villages gather to learn ethnic dance techniques—postures, gestures, and steps—from professional instructors. "I’ve always loved ethnic dance but never had the chance to learn systematically. This free training is incredibly detailed," said Li Yingyan, a resident of Toufu New Village. Another villager, Li Shenglian, added, "With professional teachers offering free lessons right in our neighborhood, we stay active while picking up new skills—it makes life much more fulfilling."
As grassroots cultural activities flourish, Shawan’s villages and communities have formed over 150 amateur performance troupes, showcasing local talent through self-directed programs that reflect regional development. "We’re fostering deeper exchanges between our city’s art troupes and village teams via joint rehearsals and performances, turning spectators into active participants and creators of culture," noted Zhu Meilin, head of Shawan’s Song and Dance Ensemble.
Capitalizing on winter leisure periods, the city has transformed the traditional "off-season" into a cultural "peak season." The cultural center and ensemble regularly organize free training programs—covering dance, opera, paper-cutting, and music—bringing public services to the grassroots. "Over 200 ‘Culture for All’ events have directly benefited 50,000 residents, making art accessible at their doorsteps," said Gao Yongqiang, Director of Shawan’s Cultural Bureau.
Meanwhile, specialized activities thrive. A recent Qin Opera performance at the cultural center demonstrated both artistic progress and intangible heritage preservation. "Joining this troupe refined my vocal techniques and stagecraft—it’s a vibrant way of life," shared enthusiast Chang Junmei.
To nurture local talent, Shawan invites experts from regional institutions to train 300 core members across five key art societies. Since 2021, 60+ workshops have upskilled 5,000 participants, sustaining traditions like Qin Opera. The homegrown play *The Story of Dapanji* won accolades at the 2024 Regional Arts Festival and toured multiple cities.
With a ¥220 million investment, Shawan has upgraded facilities including museums and libraries, enhancing service capacity and cultural integration. "Moving forward, we’ll focus on quality upgrades, innovative ‘culture+’ initiatives, and empowering grassroots creativity to deliver higher-standard cultural experiences," stated Liu Huan, Deputy Director of Shawan’s Cultural and Tourism Bureau.
This cultural revitalization is injecting enduring vitality into Shawan’s socio-economic growth.
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