As the World University Games are fast approaching, Chengdu Plus is releasing a special bi-lingual short video entitled Pass On Your Passion, which focuses on Chengdu'
s intangible cultural heritage along with events included in the FISU Games. Let'
s take a peek through the lens of Chengdu Plus and look at the close relationship between the World University Games and Chengdu'
s intangible cultural heritage.
Energetic young athletes stand with bow and arrow in hand, ready to aim at a target. In an instant, the shape of the bow shifts from a fraction of a crescent to the shape of a full moon, and the arrows zip away from the string. The sound of the shaft flying through the air is hauntingly similar to that of the millennia-old Shu Brocade, as skilled weavers throw the shuttle and interweave the threads. The ancient wooden loom creaks, as each silk thread continues to write the Chengdu story that tells of the two-thousand-year-old Shu Brocade culture.
Shu Brocade, a colorful woven fabric with ethnic characteristics and local charm, manufactured in Chengdu, is hailed as the foremost among China'
s four famous brocades. In 2006, it was included in the first batch of representative projects of national-level intangible cultural heritage.
Over the course of two thousand years, the development of Shu Brocade has become intertwined with the urban construction of Chengdu. There are Jincheng (Brocade City), Jinjiang (Brocade River), Jinli (Brocade Street), etc. The rivers, streets, and buildings here bear the mark of brocade, making Shu Brocade one of the most bright and colorful cultural symbols of Chengdu.
The shuttle flies, and the basketball bounces alongside it. The ball hitting the ground produces a crisp sound, much like the rhythmic beats of the Jin Qian Ban(a traditional Chinese percussion instrument). The two sounds meld together. The three bamboo pieces of the Jin Qian Ban come from our capital called Chengdu.
Jin Qian Ban is one of the traditional Sichuan-Chongqing folk song genres, characterized by a distinct and unique vocal style and a meticulously structured repertoire. In 2008, it was included in the second batch of representative projects of national-level intangible cultural heritage. A passion for sports seamlessly intertwines with the beauty of Chengdu'
s intangible cultural heritage, conveying the profound historical and cultural heritage of the Land of Abundance.
Rackets swing, tennis balls bounce; in the midst of Mount Qingcheng, a spring brook babbles; Qingcheng martial arts and Sanda work in turns, move by move, back and forth, as if performing an exquisite dance.
Qingcheng Martial Arts, a renowned martial arts school in China, was developed in Mount Qingcheng in Dujiangyan, Chengdu. It has a history of nearly two thousand years and encompasses various disciplines such as boxing, Qingcheng Sword Dancing, and Qingcheng Tai Chi. On June 10, 2021, Qingcheng Martial Arts was included in the fifth batch of representative projects of national-level intangible cultural heritage.
The unity of heaven and man in Taoist culture, combined with the tranquil beauty of the mountains, has shaped Qingcheng Martial Arts with a blend of both rigidity and softness that brings perfect balance. Through centuries of heritage, this grace and elegance have seeped into its surroundings, creating the very essence that makes up the landscapes in the Land of Abundance.
In the tranquil space between earth and sky, it courses like flowing water yet stands as steady as a mountain. As the Tai Chi movements conclude, the master takes up the sword, executing the exquisite Qingcheng-style Sword technique. The sword moves like a twisting dragon, bursting out of the water, its tip shimmering like a cold star. The sword is retracted, and the swordsman strikes again with a fierce blade. However, his opponent is a face-changing master of Sichuan Opera.
Sichuan Opera has existed for over 300 years and is a product of the integration of opera culture and Bashu Culture. In 2006, its deep accumulation of history and culture caused Sichuan Opera to join the ranks of the listed intangible cultural heritage projects.
Face-changing composes a very important part of a Sichuan Opera performance. It is a treasure in the folk art sphere, having been practiced and passed down by generations of Sichuan Opera artists, and becoming the calling card of Chengdu art.
Sichuan Opera artist and foil fencer both use clever tricks, battling with wits and courage. With actions like blowing, wiping, and pulling down, the Sichuan Opera artist keeps his opponent constantly on the defensive, causing him to frequently retreat. Eventually, the Sichuan Opera master reveals his true face and extends a handshake to the fencer, expressing friendship through gestures like finger hearts and high-fives. For these two, it'
s friendship first and competition second.
竹麻号子
流传于四川省成都市的地方民歌,国家级非物质文化遗产之一
「竹麻号子」,激情吟唱;赛艇运动员,奋力划桨;呼声水声,相互交织,刚劲有力。
Zhuma Labor Chants involve passionate singing, and rowers are paddling hard. With the sounds of voices shouting and water splashing, it shows the intertwining of power and vigor.
Gymnast on the rings, with his hands held high, completes 360-degree rotations, using his body as a sugar painter uses the brush, creating beautiful arcs. In the same way, a sugar painter uses the utensil to create a crystal clear sugar painting, vivid and lifelike.
传承大运,「传」的是一座城市的独特印记,「承」的是一座城市的根与魂。
As we pass on our passion, we are passing the unique imprint as well as heart and soul of the city.
In light of the upcoming FISU Games, Chengdu joined the hands of its intangible cultural heritage and the World University Games, allowing the panting of the athletes to breathe life into these ancient art forms.
用艺术诠释运动,以运动活化艺术,文化的传承和运动精神的传递,都在这座城市里体现得淋漓尽致。
Interpreting sports with art, activating art with sports, the passing of cultural inheritance, and the spirit of sports are all vividly reflected in the city.
Chengdu is not only a city with a rich historical and cultural heritage, but from days of yore, it has also had an inseparable connection with sports. From cuju – an ancient sport with connections to football - in the Western Han Dynasty to polo and dragon boat races in the Tang and Song Dynasties, and now with events like the World Table Tennis Championship and the upcoming World University Games, all of these events take place in the city of sports - Chengdu!
As the World University Games approach, the passion for sports among the people of Chengdu is growing like wildfire. Sports for All has evolved from a simple catchphrase to a reality and is gradually becoming a trend.
Currently, Chengdu'
s atmosphere of mass sports participation has reached an unprecedented high. The active participation of sports enthusiasts of all ages on the streets and alleys showcases the sports culture in Chengdu and the sports facilities that welcome users of all ages.
On July 2nd, after completing its nationwide journey, the World University Games torch Ronghuo returned to its birthplace and began the first day of its relay within Chengdu. The blaze of Ronghuo once again ignites the enthusiasm for the Games and conveys the great anticipation the people of Chengdu feel for the event!