On November 26, the early winter scenery of Xixi Wetland was adorned with reed catkins resembling snow and meandering waterways. Xixi Shuihu Culture Exhibition Hall became a vibrant stage where citizens enthusiastically interacted with NPCs portraying characters from the classic fiction Water Margin (shui-hu), like Lin Chong, Lu Zhishen, and Li Kui. A variety of local operas, including Yue Opera, Wu Opera, and Suzhou Pingtan, took turns performing on the same stage—marking the successful conclusion of the 2025 “Shuihu Gandji” Cultural Commissioners Special Event and the West Lake District Civilization Practice Day. The activity broke down regional and artistic barriers, centering on the core themes of “loyalty, righteousness, and courage.” Through the innovative model of cultural commissioners’ “exchange visits,” it offered citizens and tourists a culturally rich and immersive market experience. 

As NPC Lin Chong made a spirited entrance, the first act, “The Code of Loyalty,” kicked off. The Longwu Yue Opera Society, under the guidance of provincial cultural commissioner Yang Haoping, presented the opera Mu Guiying Takes Command. The members, who have grown from amateur enthusiasts to stage protagonists, exemplify the achievements of grassroots efforts to “plant culture.” During the performance, two young fans received the flag of inheritance through a traditional “accepting the order” ritual, symbolizing the passing of Yue Opera and Shuihu culture to a new generation. Subsequently, Chen Yi, a renowned artist from the Zhejiang Xiaobaihua Yue Opera Theater, seized the moment to launch the “First Lesson for Youth,” providing detailed instruction on vocal techniques and stage movements. This inter-generational mentorship revitalized the spirit of “loyalty to cultural heritage” through inheritance.

Amid applause for the theme of loyalty, NPC Lu Zhishen made a grand appearance, shifting the atmosphere to “The Code of Righteousness.” This segment highlighted “cultural exchange visits,” with a standout collaboration among three cultural commissioners. “I am partnered with Waitongwu Village in Zhuantang, Chen Dandan is stationed in Anji, Huzhou, and Lai Majie is based in Yiwu. Together, like the heroes in Water Margin, we join forces to break down barriers and foster mutual learning across regional cultures,” said Yang Haoping, a promoter and practitioner of the “cultural exchange visits.” On site, he was officially appointed as the “Zhuantang Cultural Advisor,” marking a new phase in the long-term mechanism for regional cultural collaboration.

The third act, “The Code of Courage,” unfolded under the lead of NPC Li Kui. The Wu Opera piece Six Righteousnesses Enrich Wushang from Yiwu brought the performances to a fitting close. Meanwhile, the “Shuihu Gandji” cultural fair outside was also bustling with activity. Citizens not only interacted and took photos with the characters but participated in folk games to win gifts.

Amid the clear sound of a gong, the annually-hosted 2025 “Shuihu Gandji” officially drew to a close. A representative from the West Lake District remarked that this cultural feast—centered on “loyalty, righteousness, and courage” and integrating diverse art forms—was not only a dialogue traversing ancient and modern times but also a civic practice involving public participation, co-creation, and sharing. Moving forward, the West Lake District will continue to delve into China’s outstanding traditional culture, innovating in form and enriching content to establish “Shuihu Gandji” as a key platform for sharing West Lake’s cultural stories and amplifying the voice of the times.