Fifth Red Storytelling Competition Opens in Changsha

In July, Changsha, Hunan, basked in the summer sun, and the Wangcheng District along the Xiang River was set ablaze with a vibrant celebration of red culture. On July 16, the fifth Red Storytelling Competition, jointly hosted by the Central Publicity Department, the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, the National Cultural Heritage Administration, and the Hunan Provincial Government, officially commenced.

This year's competition, themed "Echoes of the Victory Horn," attracted 175 outstanding narrators from 31 provinces, autonomous regions, and municipalities across the country, including the Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps and the military. The event featured both professional and volunteer groups, showcasing a broad age range among competitors, with the youngest just nine years old. This diversity vividly demonstrated the spirit of red culture being passed down through generations.

During the preliminary rounds, contestants engaged in fierce competition through personal presentations and self-chosen narrations. These narrators, hailing from patriotism education bases, classic red tourism sites, and revolutionary relics, brought their unique talents to the stage. Participants from Hunan performed traditional Changsha storytelling, while competitors from Sichuan showcased rapid rhythmic clapping. Others utilized multilingual explanations, song, dance, and recitation to narrate red stories, striking a chord with the audience.

One standout was Wang Lu from the Siping Campaign Memorial Museum, who used a harmonica once owned by General Yang Jingyu as a focal point, performing live to illustrate the general's steadfast spirit and the essence of the Northeast Anti-Japanese United Army. This year marks the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. Many contestants centered their narratives on the theme of resistance, weaving together poignant stories from red artifacts, newspapers, letters, revolutionary poetry, and telegraphs.

The competition not only served as a contest but also as a platform for learning and exchange. Many participants discovered new perspectives on red stories while preparing for the event. "Among the five stories in the preliminary round of Hunan, four were newly uncovered," shared Liang Liping from the Resource Development Department of Hunan's Ministry of Culture and Tourism. To excel in telling red stories, competitors deeply engaged in fieldwork, explored local narratives, innovated their presentation styles, researched biographies, and meticulously reviewed historical materials, often revising their scripts over 30 times.

"Red storytelling should not be limited to simple historical narratives; it must resonate with the spirit of our times," explained Zhang Jingjing from Jiangsu's Revolutionary Relics Department regarding their preparatory efforts. Prior to the competition, Jiangsu Province invited experts in party history, broadcasting, and stage performance to provide intensive training for the contestants, alongside simulation exercises. They even sent backup participants to observe in person, aiming to cultivate talent for future competitions and integrate excellent experiences into local storytelling efforts.

Looking ahead, the preservation of red lineage is crucial. As General Secretary Xi Jinping emphasized, "Red resources are the testament to our party's arduous yet glorious journey and are the most precious spiritual wealth." Red storytellers are the guardians and disseminators of these valuable resources. Through their vivid expressions and innovative formats, they bring history to life and pass on the spirit.

From recounting the heroic spirit of resistance to highlighting the significance of pandemic battles, competitors engaged the audience with their rhythmic narratives, enriching the legacy of red culture. Many participants expressed pride in their mission to encourage remembrance and honor for historical figures, pledging to continue utilizing red resources and storytelling to ensure the flame of revolution is passed down through generations, allowing red culture to shine brightly in the journey toward the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.

According to the competition schedule, 30 individuals from the professional group and 20 from the volunteer group will advance to the finals. On July 25, the event will announce ten "Gold Medal Narrators" and ten "Gold Medal Volunteer Narrators," followed by subsequent speaking events.