There is a performance troupe in Shengpu sub-district, with its members practicing folk singing and lianxiang (a traditional Chinese folk dance performed by dancers with bamboo or wooden sticks in hands) every Monday, Wednesday and Friday.

“We made the traditional costumes by ourselves, and have performed in over 20 events across Suzhou,” said Song Weizhen, the leader of the troupe.

Song and her teammates have demonstrated an innovative ways of inheriting traditional culture and skills. They managed to keep the performances alive and make them part of the modern life.

The folk art troupes in Shengpu Sub-district have won a series of awards and prizes in various events. Recently, the Shengpu Sub-district Xuanjuan Troupe garnered the “Best Style Award” in the 2023 (5th) Yangtze River Delta Xuanjuan (Baojuan) Show. And this is increasing both locals and tourists’ interest in the “three treasures” and other local cultural elements of Shengpu Sub-district.

Moreover, Shengpu-style xuanjuan and folk songs have been frequently staged in other parts of the country and even overseas.