Quzhou brings its Chinese drumming tradition to Malaysia

The rhythmic beats played by the drummers of the Lichun Drum Troupe from Quzhou city in East China's Zhejiang province have resonated as far afield as Malaysia, in a vibrant cultural exchange.

The drum performance featuring the traditional culture of China's "24 solar terms" is an important part of folk activities in Quzhou. It's often performed at the annual traditional ceremony for welcoming the Start of Spring or li chun — the first solar term — in Quzhou's Jiuhua township.

Back in 2016, China's "24 solar terms", including folk activities like Jiuhua's traditional ceremony for the Start of Spring, were officially added to the UNESCO's Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

A drum performance, featuring the traditional culture of China's "24 solar terms", gets going at a primary school in Malaysia. [Photo/Tide News]

The cultural exchange event took place at the auditorium of SJK(C) Jit Sin A Primary School in Malaysia. It featured a collaboration between Quzhou's Lichun Drum Troupe, Malaysia's Jit Sin A School 24 Solar Terms Drum Team, and the Kitano Drum Group.

The event drew over 150 drummers, performers, and educators from both countries, creating an electrifying atmosphere and attracting warm applause.

The event highlighted the diverse appeal of drum music and deepened the cultural ties between China and Malaysia.

The Lichun Drum Troupe's performance, which combined Chinese drumming, the solar terms culture, and elements of local intangible heritage, was very well-received by the audience.

Following the performance, the Lichun Drum Troupe introduced Quzhou's Southern Confucian and Go cultures, sparking interest among local educators and cultural enthusiasts.