A youth delegation from Northern Ireland, together with students from Xi'an Fanyi University, attended a cultural exchange event themed "An encounter with the Chinese civilization: Honoring the history, creating the future" at Xi'an Yisu Society on May 15, where they experienced the charm of Qinqiang Opera, building a cultural bridge for cross-border exchanges.

The delegates pose for a group photo. [Photo/chinadaily.com.cn]

Classic Qinqiang Opera shows were staged during the event, winning warm applause and cheers from the audience. "The performances are brilliant. The unique tunes and costumes of Qinqiang Opera have totally fascinated me," said Chloe, a British student.

The interactive experience session sparked enthusiasm, with visiting teachers and students trying on traditional Qinqiang Opera costumes and learning basic movements, allowing them to experience the unique charm of Qinqiang performance firsthand.

Rachel, a British delegate, said after the experience, "These moves look easy, but are actually quite challenging to do. Yet it was such fun, and I truly got to experience the charm of Qinqiang Opera!"

A student learns the basic movements of Qinqiang Opera. [Photo/chinadaily.com.cn]

The British delegation and Chinese students also visited the museums of the Xi'an Yisu Society and Shaanxi Qinqiang Opera, where faded photos, exquisite opera costumes, and detailed written records trace the century-long development of Qinqiang art, allowing visitors to perceive the cultural charm of traditional Chinese opera.

"The moment I stepped into Yisu Society, I was amazed by this distinctive Chinese-style architecture that is filled with a strong sense of history," said Thomas, a teacher from South West College in Northern Ireland. He added that Yisu Society and the Terracotta Warriors he visited the previous day allowed him to see Xi'an's long-standing history, while the bustling urban scenery showcases the city's modern vitality.