Huizhou Intangible Cultural Heritage
Huidong Fishing Song
Huidong Fishing Song is a 600-year-old living tradition of dialect songs sung by fishing communities along the coast of Huidong County, Huizhou, Guangdong. Originating in the Ming Dynasty, it is the only well-preserved fishing song tradition still alive in China.
Sung in the local coastal dialect (a branch of Southern Min), the lyrics are improvised on the spot based on weather, mood, and fishing conditions. The melody blends elements of Teochew, Hakka, and Cantonese musical traditions.
Current status: Only about 50 elders can still sing it. The youngest inheritor is 58 years old. Young people are leaving for Shenzhen and Guangzhou. Time is running out.
Luofu Herbal Oil Making Technique
Luofu Herbal Oil is a Taoist medicinal heritage dating back to Ge Hong (Eastern Jin Dynasty, 4th century). Ge Hong practiced alchemy and medicine on Luofu Mountain, creating the original formula using local herbs from the mountain.
Effects: Relieves wind-cold, pain, itching, and swelling. Known as the “all-purpose oil” in Lingnan region.
Making Process: Harvest Luofu Mountain herbs → Soak → Distill → Blend → Age. Fully handmade, takes 3-6 months.
Longmen Farmer Paintings
Longmen Farmer Paintings are modern folk art created by farmers in Longmen County, Huizhou. Emerging in the 1970s, these paintings are known for their vibrant colors, exaggerated forms, and rustic charm.
The painters are all local farmers with no formal art training. Their works are sincere and unpretentious, depicting rural Lingnan life.
Characteristics: Bold colors (bright red and green), full compositions, rural themes (farming, festivals, folk customs).
International Recognition: Exhibited in France, Japan, USA. Praised as “Chinese Picasso.”
Huizhou Glutinous Rice Wine Brewing Technique
Huizhou Glutinous Rice Wine is a traditional Hakka brewing technique. Made from glutinous rice and wine starter, through soaking, steaming, mixing, fermenting, pressing, and aging.
Taste: Sweet and mellow, low alcohol (12-15% ABV). Perfect for meals and hospitality.
Cultural Significance: Hakka families brew wine for baby’s one-month celebration and daughter’s wedding. An important carrier of Hakka culture.
Huidong Fishing Net Weaving Technique
Huidong Fishing Net Weaving is a handicraft passed down through generations of Huidong fishermen. Nets are woven by hand using ramie thread. Net hole size and thread thickness follow strict rules.
With the popularity of nylon nets, this hand-weaving technique is on the brink of extinction.
Endangerment Level: Even more endangered than Huidong Fishing Song. Only ~20 elders can do it. No systematic documentation exists.