As the new year begins, schools across Rugao, Nantong, have launched a series of vibrant activities featuring intangible cultural heritage, allowing students to experience the charm of traditional culture through hands-on participation.  

At Rucheng Primary School’s paper-cutting workshop, students crafted intricate paper-cutting designs, including lanterns, 12 Chinese zodiac animals, and window decorations. These delicate and auspicious creations embodied the students' wishes for the New Year. In collaboration with the Rucheng sub-district, the school also organized an immersive cultural event where students enjoyed traditional puppet shows and tried making sugar paintings, deepening their appreciation and love for traditional arts. 

Students craft paper cuttings at Rucheng Primary School. [Photo/WeChat account: rugaofabu]

Meanwhile, children at Xiayuan Kindergarten explored the fascinating art of sugar painting. By creating their own sugar art pieces, they discovered the exquisiteness and creativity behind this traditional craft and cultivated an early passion for preserving and passing on cultural heritage. 

Children make sugar paintings at Xiayuan Kindergarten. [Photo/WeChat account: rugaofabu]

At Changxin Primary School, students celebrated the new year with lively dragon and lion dances. These performances, accompanied by lively drum rhythms, showcased the students' enthusiasm and conveyed their expressions of joy and best wishes for the upcoming year.

Students perform dragon and lion dances at Changxin Primary School. [Photo/WeChat account: rugaofabu]

These activities facilitated a connection between students and intangible cultural heritage, fostering a deeper interest and commitment to the preservation of traditional culture. By promoting cultural heritage in the educational framework, Rugao plays an active role in safeguarding and vitalizing these traditions while adding a rich cultural flavor to local festivities.