Day 17: Village Visit and Qinyang

Leaving Pingliang, we were taken to a village which had formed three community businesses and transformed the shabby dirt housing into concrete apartments with heating and running water. We had a talk with the Chair of the Business Committee who told us about the transformation of the village, its wealth and how it was being used. They had new dwellings, a school and medical centre, and were helping other villages achieve the same.

Next we were allowed to enter a typical farmer's house in the village, which was very tidily presented and lavishly decorated. It is evident the village is doing well. We also saw an amphitheatre and the school buildings.

This village can be commended for its excellent work, transforming its structures and the lives of its inhabitants, and by all accounts it seemed a place of great contentment.

Driving into Qinyang was another transformation. It is clearly a strong agricultural region with many tended fields and orchards. Many of the houses are brick, clay, or made by cutting into the dirt mounds, producing a home that is cool in summer yet warm in winter. Many houses have corn tied up to dry and haystacks outside.

That afternoon we attended the Opening of the Folk Custom and Culture Exhibition of Qinyang, and it was indeed a grand display. There were demonstrations of needlework, of paper-cut art pieces, silk embroidery, puppetry and musical instruments. We were lead through the displays, filling maybe eight halls over four floors, each room unveiling new delights. The final viewing was a display on the history of Qingyang, and Qingyang indeed has an exciting future!


Huanxian Folk Shadow Play Troupe


The Chinese string instrument 'gu zheng'

That afternoon we had an audience with the Mayor and other dignitaries, followed by another of the by-now famous Chinese banquets. During the banquet were a number more performances, including one by the Hotel Manager who expertly played a piece on the èrhú, a traditional Chinese stringed instrument! China and its wonderful people never cease to amaze me!