洮河 waters surge, cultural essence endures. So far this year, Lin Tao County, Gansu Province, has centered its efforts on "Five Goals and Dual Cultures" construction, focusing on "cultural benefits for the people" as the core objective. A public cultural service system with comprehensive coverage, tailored for diverse groups, and shared by all has been established, allowing residents to enjoy a cultural feast of music, reading, appreciation, and sensation right at their doorsteps.
Intangible cultural heritage dazzles, folk stages sing new songs
On July 2nd, the flower competition themed "Singing New Chapters of Tao River Melodies, Bringing Cultural Benefits to Everyone" held at Qianzi岗 scenic area in Yu Jing town was in full swing. Flower singers from Yu Jing, Ya Xia Ji, and Nan Ping towns took turns performing on stage, their high-pitched and melodious Flower Melodies echoing along the banks of the Tao River. Rooted in the original melodies of Flower Melody, they sang about rural revitalization, harmonious countryside, and the scenic Tao River, their spirited voices drawing cheers from the audience.
Scene of the flower competition at Qianzi岗 scenic area in Yu Jing town (Image provided by Lin Tao County Committee of the Communist Party of China)
"Previously, I could only sing Flower Melody during village celebrations or in the fields. Now, there's a special competition with judges and awards, so folk singers like me can finally showcase our talents!" grassroots singer Wang Gui Lan couldn't conceal her joy. The event integrated Flower Melody performances, traditional opera shows, and calligraphy exhibitions, breaking down barriers between professionals and amateurs to create a cultural platform for all to participate.
"We will delve into local cultural and tourism resources, regularly hold cultural and tourism events loved by the masses, and continuously promote the living传承 of intangible cultural heritage and the deep integration of cultural tourism industries. We aim to polish our folk cultural brands, deliver cultural benefits to every household, and empower rural revitalization through culture," said Yang Yan Rong, Party Secretary of Yu Jing town.
City filled with book fragrance, reading nurtures hearts
On June 18th, the cultural arts festival in Xin Jian town saw the mobile library bus become a hot spot. The bus was filled with books on agriculture, children's literature, and humanities, allowing villagers to browse and borrow for free. Farming大户 Zhang Zhi Jun holding agricultural technology book said, "Previously, farming relied on old experience, but now books provide detailed introductions. Preventing pests and diseases is easy to learn, and it really helps us increase production and income."
The county has built 323 country book houses and 18 rural library branches, with nearly 400,000 books in storage. The audio library and agricultural digital database cover 91,000 people, connecting to the "last mile" of rural reading.
Scene of亲子 reading activity held at Lin Tao Zhi Yuan book city (Image provided by Lin Tao County Committee of the Communist Party of China)
Librarian Bai Ju Xia visited Xin Jian middle school to deliver a reading promotion lecture, interpreting the "National Reading Promotion Regulations" and sharing inspirational stories about reading, guiding teenagers to develop reading habits. This year, the county has created distinctive reading brands such as family reading together, reading spots in the fields, and reading clubs for the elderly. A total of 486 reading events have been held, benefiting 45,000 people.
Culture and scenery blend to beautify the ancient city's vibrant atmosphere
Strolling through Lin Tao city, a sense of culture greets you. Ma Jiao Yao ceramic artifact ornaments stand at the entrances of residential areas, poetic couplets and inscriptions adorn green spaces, murals of the Tao River and zibotian peonies are painted on street boxes, and railings are neatly arranged, with every step revealing a slice of cultural heritage. Resident Aunt Li smiled, "I can see ceramic artifacts and read ancient poetry just by stepping outside. The little city is becoming more culturally rich."
Mural-decorated distribution boxes on streets of Lin Tao (Image provided by Lin Tao County Committee of the Communist Party of China)
Lin Tao County has delved into the culture of ceramic artifacts and poetic heritage, transforming street communication boxes with colorful designs, integrating local cultural symbols into municipal facilities to create open-air cultural galleries, achieving a unique scenic view and character on every street. Meanwhile, the county has advanced refined sanitation management and lenient civilized law enforcement, polishing the city's clean image. The poetic essence once painted by Wu Zhen in "I Remember Lin Tao Well, Its Mountains and Rivers Are Like Paintings" has been transformed into tangible and perceptible street scenes, giving the city both a lively atmosphere and a cultural soul.
Diverse study, millennia of roots pass on the torch
Leveraging the prehistoric sites of Ma Jiao Yao and Xin Jian, Lin Tao has developed multiple study bases. At the Ma Jiao Yao cultural research and display center, the Elder Study Group gained a systematic understanding of the development of Ma Jiao Yao culture and亲手 drew ancient patterns in the colorful ceramic town. Retired worker Liu Wen Li reflected, "Ma Jiao Yao culture is profound and deserves in-depth exploration and learning."
The "Long Shang · Boliang Village Lodge" study brand in Shuiqu village of Baliang town is also highly favored. Students and teachers from the Fine Arts Department of Gansu National Teachers University have been staying for long-term painting sessions, with the original rural scenery providing rich inspiration for their artistic creations. "The rustic scenery here and the warm villagers always leave me with ample creative inspiration each time," said student Wang Yuan Yuan.
Students and teachers from Gansu National Teachers University painting in the fields of Shuiqu village (Image provided by Lin Tao County Committee of the Communist Party of China)
In the first half of 2026, the county welcomed 138,000 study groups, a year-on-year increase of 52%. The study industry has driven income growth for the local people, covering all age groups from the elderly to students and foreign friends, achieving dual empowerment of cultural heritage and income generation.
Cultivating hearts with culture, benefiting the people