Intangible cultural heritage
As a major city in Shandong, Qingdao boasts rich intangible cultural heritage that reflects the brilliant cultural traditions of Shandong. The colorful array of intangible cultural heritage of the city carries the cultural memories and essence of Qingdao.
Jiaozhou Yangko
Jiaozhou Yangko is one of the three major Yangkos in Shandong. It originated during the reign of Emperor Xianfeng of the Qing Dynasty and is a popular activity in Dongxiaotun Village in Jiaozhou. Jiaozhou Yangko was created and welcomed by local farmers. It represents a naturally-evolving form of folk art and a way for local residents to express their feelings and entertain themselves. It is of high aesthetic value and a good subject for artistic study.
Mao Opera
Mao Opera is a local opera popular in Qingdao, Weifang and Rizhao. It originated from simple, plain and melodious local folk songs. Mao opera has strong artistic appeal and vitality, and is well liked by residents on the Shandong Peninsula. Representative works include The Four Capitals and The Eight Stories.
Laixi puppet show
Laixi puppet show is a traditional drama. Laixi puppets are manipulated by wooden rods, and adopt theatrical masks of "Sheng, Dan, Jing, Mo, Chou" to depict different characters. The puppets' faces, eyes, ears, noses and mouths can be moved, and they are manipulated in a firm, precise, upright and steady manner. The performance borrows the movements of theatrical figures, such as jumping and turning. In recent years, the puppets have evolved into a variety of images such as cartoon images. The forms of expression aren't limited to people, but have also incorporated other colorful forms such as animals.
The Fishermen's Pray and Gratitude Ceremonies
The ceremonies are unique folk activities held in some coastal regions of China. The Fishing Festival, also called the "sacrifice to the sea", held at Zhougezhuang Village of Tianheng Township in Jimo District, is a grand event for local fishermen. The ceremony was first recorded during the reign of Emperor Yongle of the Ming Dynasty, and has later become a folk activity and been practiced till today. The Fishing Festival of Zhougezhuang Village is usually held around the time of the Grain Rain (the 6th of the 24 solar terms) every year. Fishermen who are about to go fishing on the sea pray to the gods of the sea for safety and harvest.