NANCHANG: As a self-proclaimed gourmet of rice noodles, I was previously unaware of the existence of Huichang, a region in China renowned as the “land of rice noodles.”
Situated in the mountainous region of Jiangxi Province in eastern China, this small county boasts a rich agricultural history. In fact, it accounts for over 60 percent of China’s rice noodle exports, with a thriving market in Europe and North America.
However, it was not the delectable rice noodles that piqued my interest in this remote destination, home to a mere population of 530,000. Rather, it was the vibrant art scene, particularly drama and theater.
This January, the long-anticipated Huichang Theatre Village opened its doors to the public, attracting hundreds of thousands of active playgoers from all corners of the country.
The theater village was established in the old downtown area of Huichang. This ambitious restoration project involved converting the traditional ancestral temple and outdated printing house into theaters, adding a touch of cultural heritage to the village. Additionally, the bungalows that lined the streets have been repurposed into restaurants, offering tourists a taste of the region’s unique local cuisine.
By adhering to the principle of preserving classical charm while making necessary repairs, the village retains a sense of elegance and its traditional aesthetics. –Agencies
