On October 23, during an interview, Tang Zhengzhu, the first-level inspector of the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region’s Culture and Tourism Department, highlighted the significant progress made in recent years regarding the protection and inheritance of the Zhuang Tianqin art. He emphasized that Tianqin art has emerged as a key medium for cultural exchange between China and ASEAN countries.
The “2024 Tianqin Culture Seminar” was held on the same day in Chongzuo City, where representatives engaged in deep discussions on the theme “Revitalizing Tianqin Culture in the New Era.” They explored practical issues, pathways for development, and innovative theories and practices to provide fresh perspectives and ideas for the inheritance and growth of Tianqin culture.
During the seminar, participants were captivated by the performance of Tianqin artists, who held the instrument while tying copper bells to their feet, creating a beautiful melody rich in Zhuang cultural flavors. The Tianqin, an ancient plucked instrument of the Zhuang people, is commonly referred to as “Ding” or “Ting.” Its name comes from traditional Zhuang folk activities involving singing and playing.
Tang noted that the Culture and Tourism Department of Guangxi is actively supporting efforts to protect and develop Zhuang Tianqin art, allocating special funds to establish five Tianqin art inheritance and display bases and demonstration households. The government is also working to secure additional funding for initiatives in Chongzuo such as recording and digitizing Tianqin art, transmission practices, exhibitions, and public awareness campaigns.
The Guangxi cultural authorities have organized artistic teams to delve into the cultural connotation of Tianqin art in Chongzuo’s border areas, continually enriching related performances and producing high-quality works. Moreover, they have arranged for Zhuang Tianqin art groups to participate in major cultural exchange activities, visiting countries like Thailand, Vietnam, and Russia to enhance the visibility and influence of this art form.
Tianqin art enjoys wide popularity in regions like Chongzuo City. According to local officials, the city is committed to systematic protection of the art and has implemented the “Regulations on Inheritance and Development of Zhuang Tianqin Art.” Since 2019, Chongzuo has held five Tianqin art training courses, producing over 400 key students who are vital for the promotion and teaching of this art.
Chongzuo is dedicated to discovering and innovating the artistic value of Tianqin, actively working to promote its art on a broader scale. The city is accelerating the development of related cultural and creative products, drafting the “Chongzuo City Tianqin Art Protection Plan,” and hosting international seminars and discussion forums on co-construction and sharing of Zhuang Tianqin with ASEAN countries to bolster academic exchange.
Officials from Chongzuo stated that the city will serve as a bridge for cultural exchanges with ASEAN nations through Tianqin art. They are also committed to enhancing the interplay between culture and tourism, encouraging performances in scenic areas, creating unique cultural IPs, and developing educational travel routes that integrate Zhuang Tianqin art with the tourism industry, thereby increasing the influence of the “Cross-Border Intangible Cultural Heritage Tour” as a national tourism route.
