Wuxi's intangible heritage to dazzle at CCTV Spring Festival Gala

When news came that Wuxi, Jiangsu province, was selected as one of the four sub-venues for the 2025 CCTV Spring Festival Gala, excitement buzzed among netizens in Wuxi New District, who were eager to see more local intangible heritage treasures featured on the gala stage.

Exquisite erhu made from WND's Meicun sub-district. [Photo/WeChat account: xinwu_wx]

One standout example is the Meicun erhu (a two-stringed Chinese fiddle). Boasting a lengthy heritage from 1965, the Meicun sub-district in WND is renowned for crafting erhu. Recognized as a provincial intangible cultural heritage item, each high-end Meicun erhu must undergo more than 100 exquisite processes, showcasing traditional and meticulous handmade artistry when making its core components.

Held on the ninth day of the first lunar month, the Taibo Temple Fair emerges as the first temple fair to start the new year in Jiangnan (regions south of the Yangtze River). Originating from ancestral worship in ancient times, the Taibo Temple Fair has evolved into a multifaceted folk gathering featuring sacrificial rituals, custom parades, intangible heritage performances, agricultural markets, and cultural entertainment.

Green and white glutinous rice balls. [Photo/WeChat account: xinwu_wx]

Every year's Tomb Sweeping Festival, people in Wuxi, the birthplace of Wu culture, are accustomed to making green and white glutinous rice balls stuffed with three kinds of ingredients in honor of their revered ancestor Prince Taibo, who was renowned for his development achievements of Jiangnan. The colors green and white symbolize the incorruptible traits of their esteemed predecessor.