Gansu schools start semester with focus on old cultural classics

Peking Opera, pottery, traditional poetry and all aspects of traditional culture are offered to students in Gansu province for the autumn semester.

"I was immediately captivated by the delicate singing of Peking Opera," says Qiang Yihan, a second-year student at the No 64 Middle School of Lanzhou, the provincial capital. Normally shy, Qiang has gradually gained confidence and can now perform a few lines with ease.

"The singing style, elaborate costumes and intricate makeup are a multilayered aesthetic experience," says Cao Xiyuan, a student who has been learning Peking Opera for four years.

Regarded as a national treasure, Peking Opera is on the UNESCO list of Intangible Cultural Heritage. To promote the traditional art among the young, it has been introduced to schools over the past decade.

Cui Ling, vice-principal of the Lanzhou No 64 Middle School, has been teaching the subject for 18 years. "Students need to experience Peking Opera up close to appreciate its beauty. If we plant the seeds of traditional culture in young hearts, they will naturally draw strength from it."

Cui has developed an entire curriculum around the art and thanks to her efforts, other schools have also started Peking Opera classes.

Meanwhile, the Lanzhou No 3 Middle School in 2020 has set up a painted pottery workshop. It allows students to explore the ancient painted pottery culture of Gansu, which dates back to the Neolithic period. Under the guidance of art teacher Li Yi, the workshop has become a popular extracurricular activity.

"The students participated in the design of the workshop's layout and courses," says Li. "Their creativity in painted pottery often inspires me to learn more about it."

In class, students copy ancient patterns and make clay duplicates or paper-cuts to develop their appreciation for the intricate designs of Gansu pottery.

The earliest examples of Gansu painted pottery were discovered at the Dadiwan Site, a Neolithic site dating to between 8,000 and 4,800 years ago. Patterns and symbols on artifacts found at the site offer insight into the lifestyles, beliefs and worldviews of their makers.

"By engaging with pottery, students not only connect with their cultural heritage but also develop an understanding of human progress and the greatness of art," Li says. She has also taken students to cultural sites and museums to deepen their understanding of pottery.

At the Linze No 4 Middle School in Zhangye city, the new semester began with the sound of students reciting classical poetry. The 20-minute morning recitation has been a tradition at the school.

"Classical verses sometimes come to mind naturally once you are familiar with them," says Yuan Rongjuan, a student, adding that immersion in classical literature has enhanced her written and oral expression.

In addition, the school has set up a Tang Poetry Garden, which is decorated with verses from classical literature. A poetry competition is held each month to encourage students to write and compose poetry.

Principal Zhao You believes that exposure to classical poetry and traditional culture helps enhance the expressive abilities of students and stimulates their creativity.