Pingyang's "1740 Years of Establishment" Cultural Festival Commences with Grandeur in Wenzhou

"Perceiving Pingyang: A Cultural Festival Celebrating the 1740th Anniversary of County Establishment" commenced with grandeur on the evening of August 27th at the outdoor plaza of the Pingyang Art Center Grand Theater. The opening ceremony dazzled spectators with a vibrant showcase of local culture, featuring the spirited Xiaojiang drum dance, captivating puppet shows, passionate poetry recitations, and grand drone performances. These captivating spectacles marked the beginning of a themed civic cultural festival, dedicated to honoring the rich heritage of Pingyang County's 1740-year history of establishment.

The opening ceremony comprised two main segments: the"Perceiving Pingyang Announcement Ceremony" and the"Artistic Performances." In addition to the enthralling stage programs, the event showcased the seamless integration of technology and art through a mesmerizing drone performance. As 400 drones gracefully ascended into the night sky, their vibrant lights illuminated the surroundings, symbolizing the harmonious fusion of technology and art and ushering in a new era of"Perceiving Pingyang." The city's visual identity, illustrations of the"Ten Scenic Spots of Pingyang," and the mascot concept incorporated trendy and unique elements, creating a harmonious blend of ancient traditions and modern civilization on the land of Pingyang.

The artistic performances were divided into four chapters:"Radiance of the Ancient City,""Path of the Spark,""Dreams of Mountains and Seas," and"Millennial Anticipation." Through song, dance, and the showcasing of intangible cultural heritage, the performances immersed the audience in the ancient stories of the city, allowing them to experience the brilliance of its millennium-old civilization and indulge in a cultural feast brimming with local flavors.

"As a native of Pingyang, I feel proud that it is both high-end and down-to-earth!" exclaimed Ms. Zheng, a local resident. Through her attendance at the opening ceremony, she gained a profound appreciation for the rich civilization and deep cultural roots of her hometown. It has been reported that the numbers"1740" not only represent the year of Pingyang County's establishment but also symbolize the"1" opening ceremony,"7" major thematic projects, and"40" public welfare activities. To mark the grand inauguration of the cultural festival, Pingyang meticulously planned seven major thematic projects, including the Pingyang County Village Song Contest, outstanding puppet performances, Guozhuang square dance competition, hundreds of cultural activities in villages, the"Hometown Beauty" chorus concert on National Fitness Day, and numerous cultural classes. These initiatives aimed to meet the strong demand for public cultural engagement, enhance the accessibility of cultural activities, and foster a jubilant atmosphere in celebration of the county's millennium-long history.

Simultaneously, Pingyang unveiled 40 public welfare activities, showcasing a diverse range of cultural displays that celebrate the rich heritage of Pingyang County's 1740-year history of establishment. These activities aim to highlight the cultural legacy and traditions that have shaped the county over the centuries. Through events such as the"Wenzhou Rural Voice" singing competition, Gu'ao Cultural Festival, Guwu Cultural Festival, ethnic minority sports events, as well as the promotion of public reading, cultural stations, art spaces, and rural art troupes, all 16 towns in the county held a series of activities with local characteristics. Efforts were made to create unique and exciting experiences for every town, build a distinct cultural brand, provide a platform for showcasing the charm of the county, and allow all residents to share and enjoy the cultural benefits.

In recent years, through the collective efforts of Pingyang's 880,000 residents, the region's GDP has surpassed 60 billion yuan, ranking fifth in the city. Pingyang has achieved a remarkable transformation from a"poor small county" to one of China's top 100 counties in terms of comprehensive competitiveness, industrial strength, innovation, and investment potential. These accomplishments owe much to the unwavering support of the region's thousand-year-old cultural heritage and the continuous dedication of its people. Reflecting on its millennial history and embracing the echoes of culture, Pingyang maximizes the utilization of public cultural spaces, activates festival resources, and commemorates the ancient county's 1740th anniversary with a vibrant cultural carnival. This allows the general public to conveniently participate in the Citizen Cultural Festival's activities, celebrate nearby, and share in the achievements of Pingyang's cultural development.(Zhang Junzhi)