Located in Jianhu County, this cultural landmark is built around Huai Opera, a national intangible cultural heritage. What struck me most was how the town blends the charm of an old village with vibrant cultural life, making it a place where the past and present breathe together.
As I wandered through the streets, I saw artisans showcasing their crafts and performers preparing for the next show. Later, I attended a Huai Opera performance based on The Small Town, a famous play that has won top national awards.
The show was immersive and beautifully staged. It felt as though the entire village was part of the performance. What moved me most was watching young performers on stage. It was a clear reminder that cultural heritage survives not through monuments, but through people who keep the stories alive.
My cultural journey continued at the China Yellow Sea Wetland Museum. From the outside, the building immediately catches your eye: a modern structure transformed from an old railway station, with the image of a red-crowned crane spreading its wings.
Inside, it is the first museum in the world dedicated to showcasing the natural and human history of the Yellow Sea wetland region. It houses more than 3,000 specimens, including a sperm whale skeleton and elk remains.
What made the visit truly memorable were the holographic exhibitions and sound installations. At one point, I stood in a darkened room listening to the echo of bird calls and whale sounds as if time itself had rewound.
The museum is more than a display hall. It serves as a platform for education, research, and cultural exchange. It showed me how technology can make heritage more accessible and engaging, especially for younger generations who may not easily connect with traditional exhibits.
In Huai Opera Town and at the museum, I found two sides of Yancheng's cultural soul: one rooted in living traditions passed down through people, the other preserved and reimagined through modern interpretation.
Both are essential. Yancheng may be known for its wetlands and green industries, but its cultural heartbeat is equally powerful.
These places offer more than sightseeing. They offer a connection to history, to artistry, and to the enduring human spirit that keeps traditions alive.
Christian Mugisha
