The performance. [Photo/hangzhou.com.cn]

Beijing Wuzi University's original dance drama Yun debuted at the Hangzhou Grand Canal Theater on June 18 in celebration of the 10th anniversary of the Grand Canal's UNESCO World Heritage status.

This performance is a highlight of the 2024 Beijing Hangzhou Dialogue.

Incorporating the Canal Work Song, a Beijing intangible cultural heritage item, Yun focuses on the lives of ordinary families along the canal. The drama spans significant historical periods, including the late Qing Dynasty (1644-1911), the peaceful liberation of Beijing, the reform and opening-up era, and the contemporary period of great rejuvenation. It tells the stories of four generations of canal youth, showcasing their dedication to family and nation, the promotion of Chinese virtues, and the pursuit of a happy life.

Originally created in 2017 with support from the Beijing Dance Academy, Yun features performances by university students and has become a cultural emblem for both the Grand Canal and Beijing's sub-center. In April 2024, Beijing Wuzi University launched a tour of Yun along cities of the Grand Canal Cultural Belt, with successful performances in Beijing, Tianjin, and Langfang, Hebei.

The Grand Canal, a national cultural treasure and a UNESCO World Heritage site since June 22, 2014, has seen the accelerated development of a cultural belt along its path, revitalizing this ancient marvel with contemporary vibrancy.

The performance. [Photo/hangzhou.com.cn]