Gaomi Maoqiang performers demonstrate traditional techniques to students. [Photo by Li Haitao/provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Melodies echoed across campuses as bright silk sleeves swirled under the spring sun, marking Gaomi city's celebration of World Theatre Day. At Haomai High School, students delved into the timeless art of Maoqiang Opera – a national intangible cultural heritage (ICH) treasure – ushering in a new chapter for its preservation.

On stage, performers in intricate costumes brought the opera's soul to life with precise movements and emotive arias, while captivated students absorbed every gesture. After the performance, the artists led workshops on vocal techniques, stylized gestures, and storytelling rooted in this 500-year-old art form. ''Maoqiang isn't just music – it's Gaomi's heartbeat,'' shared a local instructor. ''Its rustic melodies and relatable tales bridge generations.''

Gaomi Maoqiang artists teach students traditional techniques. [Photo by Li Haitao/provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Gaomi has woven ICH into education, with over 32 schools hosting clubs for Maoqiang, paper-cutting, and clay sculpture. At Gaomi No 1 Experimental Primary School, Shandong ICH inheritor Yu Qinhua energized students with 600-year-old folk dance Ground Yangko. ''Children love the colorful roles. Schools are vital for its evolution,'' Yu emphasized.

A Gaomi Maoqiang inheritor coaches students in traditional techniques, preserving intangible cultural heritage. [Photo by Li Haitao/provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Beyond classrooms, the city's ICH revival thrives through innovation. Over 20 ICH-themed study tours and tourist routes like ''ICH Illumination'' – showing ICH spaces at Honggaoliang town and Wulonghe Scenic Area – let students become ''ICH ambassadors'' through hands-on craft workshops.

To date, Gaomi has organized more than 500 ICH workshops, engaging nearly 10,000 youths. By merging heritage with education and tourism, the city not only preserves traditions but also ignites cultural pride, proving that ancient arts flourish when passed to modern hands.