Gayane Aleksanyan, a journalist from Armenia’s NEWS.am, recently visited Yichun City in Jiangxi Province, eastern China, to immerse herself in traditional Chinese culture and celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival. This was her first journey outside Beijing since arriving in China, offering her a unique opportunity to experience the enchanting ambiance of the festival.
Aleksanyan began her exploration in Nanmiao Town, where the well-maintained rural setting, spacious roads, and neatly arranged homes exemplify the modernization efforts in China’s countryside.
Nanmiao, recognized as the “National Hometown of Martial Arts” since 1994, has a rich heritage of martial arts. At the ancestral hall, local children showcased Kung Fu and performed a lion dance in celebration of the Mid-Autumn Festival, highlighting the town’s dedication to preserving its martial traditions.
The Kung Fu moves taught by the martial arts master required great technique, Aleksanyan said.
Another highlight of her journey was visiting the “Yuanzhou Qiaolou”, the world’s oldest existing local astronomical observatory. The over-a-thousand-year-old building still stands at the heart of Yichun, serving as an important cultural landmark.
“I was fascinated by the ancient instruments used to measure time, and I even tried ringing the bell,” Aleksanyan said excitedly.
At the Xinkangfu Manor, Aleksanyan savored a variety of Yichun’s traditional dishes. The food here is delicious, though the spiciness was a bit hard to handle, she said.
Aleksanyan not only enjoyed the culinary offerings but also immersed herself in Yichun’s rich intangible cultural heritage.
She explored the art of painting on ramie cloth, a distinctive craft from southern China that immediately captivated her. Using watercolors on handwoven ramie fabric, local artists beautifully depicted scenes and traditions with intricate brushwork.
Additionally, Aleksanyan was present at the closing ceremony of the 18th Yichun Moon Culture and Tourism Festival on September 16. A breathtaking combination of fireworks and a drone light show filled the night sky, showcasing Yichun’s unique cultural identity in a mesmerizing Mid-Autumn celebration.
“The fireworks show was absolutely breathtaking. I captured every beautiful moment with my camera. I’m very grateful for the warm hospitality and I also warmly invite Chinese friends to visit Armenia,” Aleksanyan said enthusiastically.
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