Illustration: Liu Xiangya/GT

Have you ever wondered what else you could do besides staring out the window,MKsport napping, or scrolling through your phone while on the train? Actually, in China, trains have transformed into interactive cultural hubs, effectively bridging the gap between intangible cultural heritage (ICH) and the public in a more innovative and engaging way.

Traditional heritage comes to life on trains, which provide an accessible and visible platform for diverse expressions such as performances and handicrafts. During this process, these traditions seamlessly blend into the rhythm of modern life and prove their vitality.

Travelers on the K7041 train from Harbin to Mohe in Northeast China's Heilongjiang Province were drawn in by five inheritors of Oroqen ethnic ICH who brought their unique skills to the train, presenting traditional crafts such as birch bark paintings, dough figurines and embroidery. The ICH train began operation on Saturday as part of the lead up to the upcoming Chinese New Year.

On the moving train, Gulayier Ente, dressed in traditional ethnic attire, sang Oroqen folk tunes, while Wang Jiayue, a performer of the Oroqen jaw harp, accompanied him. The cheerful melody inspired tourists from all over the country to join in on a spontaneous sing-along.

Gulayier, the inheritor of Oroqen folk tunes inscribed as a national ICH, told the Global Times that tourists on the train, especially those from southern China with little knowledge about the cultural heritage of China's northern regions, flocked into the dining car where the performances were presented, singing and dancing with performers together.

"For me, this experience is vastly different from typical stage performances. The closer proximity and increased interactions with my audience allowed us to become deeply immersed in the charm of heritage," said Gulayier.

During the performance, which lasted nearly one and a half hours, Gulayier saw tourists from various places learn to create dough figurines and paint on birch bark alongside other artisans. 

"They were more engaged than audiences at other venues where we showcased these heritages. I believe the increasingly lively atmosphere in the moving and confined space helped draw them in more easily," he remarked.

As an inheritor himself, Gulayier views the use of trains as an effective platform for promoting ICH, an opinion that is also shared by Xiao Fang, the head of the Department of Anthropology and Folklore Studies at Beijing Normal University.

Trains, especially high-speed ones, connect vast regions of China, making them ideal venues for introducing traditional culture to a broader audience. 

Unlike museums or cultural festivals, which require audiences to travel to specific locations, heritage trains bring experiences directly to people. Passengers on these trains are exposed to the beauty of ICH in an immersive environment, where traditional crafts, performances, and stories unfold before their eyes. 

This not only allows for a deeper appreciation of cultural practices but also serves as a reminder of the richness and diversity of Chinese ICH.  

Moreover, the train setting offers a unique advantage. It captures the attention of an audience that is already in a relaxed and receptive state of mind. In the confined space of a train car like those that are part of train K7041, distractions are limited, allowing passengers to focus on the intricate details of an Oroqen birch bark painting or the delicate stitching of traditional embroidery. This contrasts with the overstimulation of digital media or urban environments.  

Actually, more ICH such as Qinhuai lanterns from Nanjing in East China's Jiangsu Province, Yulin puppet shows, and tea-picking operas in South China's  Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region have also made appearances on high-speed trains across China, offering passengers a close-up way to experience traditional culture.

Xiao pointed out that besides its role in cultural promotion, the integration of ICH into train journeys can also offer significant benefits for tourism. High-speed trains are not just transportation systems, but are also bridges connecting regions with distinct cultural and natural attractions. By showcasing local traditions onboard, these trains create a link between culture and tourism, inviting passengers to explore the regions they pass through.

For instance, passengers introduced to Guangxi's tea-picking opera on a train might become more interested in delving deeper into the vibrant tea culture on site. 

This connection between cultural heritage and tourism enhances the appeal of local destinations, making them more distinctive and attracting a broader range of visitors.  

It must be acknowledged that the integration of ICH and train journeys still has limitations and challenges that need to be addressed before it can be promoted more widely.

Objective factors include the narrow space on trains and passengers getting on and off at each station, Xiao told the Global Times.

Therefore, combining diverse displays is important. Besides on-site performances, a cultural corner decorated with ICH crafts or a video introducing historical ICH stories played in a train car can also enhance the impact of these heritages. 

Technology can also play a role in enhancing experiences. For example, QR codes could be placed alongside displays, linking passengers to videos, articles, or virtual tours that provide more in-depth information about the cultural practices being showcased. This would allow passengers to explore ICH at their own pace and continue learning even after their journey ends.

The author is a reporter with the Global Times. [email protected]