Traditional bamboo drifting given modern spin in Guizhou

Traditional bamboo drifting has met the modern era in Zunyi, Guizhou province, as Yang Liu, 24, presents the art to the world through short videos.

Yang has been practicing bamboo drifting under the guidance of her grandmother, a member of the local bamboo drifting association, since she was seven years old. After 17 years of practice, she has combined the traditional art with dance moves.

With a history of more than 2,000 years, bamboo drifting originated in the Chishui River area of northern Guizhou, where local people used to cross the river by standing on a bamboo strip. It was named a Chinese national intangible cultural heritage last December.

Yang said the most difficult part of bamboo drifting was keeping balance. "I fell in the water several times when I was practicing," she said. "Bamboo drifting is a part of traditional Chinese culture. I hope I can take this art treasure to the world through more innovative and creative performances."

Zhao Yandi contributed to this story.