In the heart of Guangan (广安), Sichuan, the annual "Hua Ying Mountain (华蓥山) Sliding Pole Competition" has become more than just a sporting event. It is a living celebration of one of China's most cherished intangible cultural heritage projects. Held in the winter of 2024, the competition brought together 24 teams from various sectors of the city, with 48 participants competing in this fascinating cultural display. The Hua Ying Mountain Sliding Pole, known locally as "Hua Gan Tai Yao Mei (滑竿抬幺妹)," traces its origins back to the Tang Dynasty and is deeply tied to the local customs and practical needs of the area.
On this brisk morning, the streets were bustling with eager spectators, young and old, who had gathered to witness this vibrant fusion of competition, culture, and community. In the competition, teams of men, known as the "bearers," lift poles with young women, or "Sisters," sitting delicately on them as they navigate challenging tracks. It's not just a race; it's an art form, a cultural ritual, and a celebration of local history.
What makes this event particularly unique is its ability to blend traditional elements with the energy of modern sports. The event features not only skill-based performances but also a high-stakes racing segment, where the competitors—men running with poles on their shoulders—demonstrate both strength and balance. Meanwhile, the Sisters cheer them on, waving their handkerchiefs in synchrony with their movements, embodying the spirit of collaboration and shared community pride.
Reviving Ancient Traditions with Engaging Competition
The Hua Ying Mountain Sliding Pole was originally a practical means of transportation in mountainous terrain. Locals would carry supplies on poles to navigate steep, forested slopes. Over time, this utilitarian practice evolved into a competitive event that highlights strength, balance, and teamwork and gradually became an iconic cultural expression.
In 2021, the Hua Ying Mountain Sliding Pole was officially listed as a National Intangible Cultural Heritage item, recognizing its significance not just as a local tradition but as part of the rich tapestry of China's cultural heritage. The event's competitive nature has allowed the younger generations to connect with their roots, as it integrates elements of sport and entertainment with deep artistic value. In recent years, the event has become a beacon for local pride, attracting tourists and locals alike.
A major aspect of the competition is how it has evolved into an educational platform for future generations. Young participants, such as Jiang Rui (姜蕊) from the City Construction System, who is a sixth-generation inheritor of this tradition, have taken it upon themselves to teach others the skills and history behind the event. By fostering local pride through educational outreach, the event serves as a vital tool for cultural transmission, ensuring that this piece of history will not fade into obscurity.
The competition also serves as a practical introduction to the art of sliding poles, offering skill training to anyone interested. According to participants like Ma Xiangxiang, a physical education teacher and enthusiast, these events are not only about cultural heritage but also about promoting physical fitness. They offer a way to engage with both history and health in a fun, inclusive way, making it accessible to people of all ages.
How Hua Ying Revitalizes Its Cultural Legacy
The city's commitment to preserving and revitalizing Hua Ying's cultural heritage is evident in its approach to community involvement. As an important aspect of Guangan's cultural identity, the Hua Ying Mountain Sliding Pole competition is supported by initiatives that encourage people of all ages to engage in the practice. The competition not only showcases the skill and elegance of the performance but also fosters a deep sense of community and belonging.
The city has made substantial efforts to integrate this heritage into modern life. The establishment of the Hua Ying Mountain Sliding Pole Cultural Transmission Base at the Hua Ying Vocational and Technical School, for instance, ensures that the tradition is passed down through formal education and hands-on practice. This initiative reflects a broader, sustainable approach to cultural preservation—one that combines grassroots efforts with institutional support.
In addition, Guangan has worked to expand the event's reach by integrating the sliding pole tradition into local tourism, schools, and cultural exchanges. By organizing exhibitions and performances, they have made it accessible to a broader audience. For example, the "Hua Ying Mountain Sliding Pole" cultural troupe regularly participates in local and national performances, helping spread awareness about this intangible cultural heritage. Moreover, the creation of multimedia exhibits, such as dynamic videos and live performances, helps to bring the tradition to life for tourists and visitors.
The event also demonstrates how intangible cultural heritage can coexist with modern elements, such as dance and music, to enhance the artistic experience. New creative works, like the dance performances "Sister's Love" and "Sliding Pole Melody," fuse the traditional with the contemporary, giving this ancient practice a modern twist. These cultural products provide additional layers of storytelling, engaging a new generation of audiences with a mix of heritage and entertainment.
As Jiang Langlang, a representative inheritor of the Hua Ying Mountain Sliding Pole, explains, "Through such activities, we encourage more people to get involved and let the heritage 'live on,' passing it down for future generations." This "living heritage" model encourages a more participatory approach to cultural preservation, where communities are not just passive spectators but active participants in the safeguarding of their traditions.
As a result of the combined efforts of the local government, cultural organizations, and the community, the Hua Ying Mountain Sliding Pole competition has become a dynamic and sustainable example of how intangible cultural heritage can thrive in the modern world. This event's success lies not only in its ability to entertain but also in its capacity to educate and connect people to their cultural roots.
By innovatively merging the old with the new, this vibrant tradition continues to captivate the hearts and minds of people across generations, ensuring that it will never lose its place in the hearts of the people of Guangan.
