Under the spotlight at Zhejiang's Keqiao Theater, Chengdu International Theater, and Leshan City Central Stage, the musical "Ganmo Aniu" – the Yi ethnic deity of beauty – unfolds its captivating tale to thunderous applause that never dies. This cultural outreach journey from Sichuan's Ebian Yi Autonomous County has transcended conventional art performances. It echoes the profound transformation of Ebian's mountainous countryside since 2021, when eight provincial government agencies provided dedicated support. More importantly, it serves as an emotional bond through the legendary tale of "Ganmo Aniu" – a provincial intangible cultural heritage – extending a warm invitation to the world: ——Welcome to explore Ebian's enchanting landscapes and immerse yourself in the unique charm of Yi culture.

"I never imagined I could experience the essence of Yi culture so profoundly in Zhejiang, thousands of miles away from home. The music, costumes, and the story of Ganmo Aniu were breathtakingly beautiful, deeply touching the heart." Mr.Zhang from Hangzhou stepped out of the theater in Keqiao, still immersed in the performance's atmosphere. Ancient legends transcended time, reimagined through modern innovation on stage, sparking a wave of emotion across audiences nationwide.

Cultural identity serves as the most profound and enduring source of ethnic unity. To this end, Ebian has systematically documented its cultural heritage, successfully inscribing 53 items on the Intangible Cultural Heritage list. The region has meticulously compiled cultural classics like "Ebian Yi Ethnic Chronicles" and "Biography of Meishen Ganmo Aniu," laying a solid foundation for cultural preservation. Internally, through the "Ganmo Aniu Art Troupe," over 300 culturally rich performances have been brought to rural communities and households via mobile cultural vehicles. Externally, collaborating with authoritative institutions like the China Federation of Literary and Art Circles, ancient legends are revitalized through contemporary art forms like poetry, novels, and stage plays, transcending temporal boundaries to resonate with modern audiences. "Listening to elders tell 'Ganmo Aniu's 'stories by the hearth as a child, seeing her come alive on professional stages today fills me with indescribable warmth and pride," said A Guo, a young Yi man from Mabian who traveled specially to watch the performance. Like a gentle spring rain nourishing all things silently, culture has deeply rooted the concept of a shared Chinese nation—where we stand together in prosperity and adversity—deeply in people's hearts.

With an open and inclusive mindset, Ebian actively promotes the integration and coexistence of outstanding cultures among ethnic groups through mutual learning. Taking the lead in regional collaboration, it has partnered with Mabian and Jinkouhe District to jointly map out development blueprints for the Xiaoliangshan Yi Ethnic Cultural Ecological Protection Zone, achieving resource sharing and coordinated progress. Looking toward a broader future and global stage, Ebian collaborates with prestigious institutions like China Academy of Art and Sichuan University to deeply develop cultural and creative derivatives. The patterns, colors, and stories embodying Yi wisdom shine on international platforms such as UNESCO Paris Exhibition, London Design Week, and Hong Kong International Licensing Show, vividly showcasing the brilliance and boundless creativity of Chinese culture. The annual "Ganmo Aniu Art Season" effectively integrates resources across five levels—provincial, municipal, county, township, and village—to create "the closest Yi cultural experience window to Chengdu," providing a regular platform for sustained cultural exchange. At a derivative exhibition in Chengdu, visitor Ms.Li was pleasantly surprised: "These scarves and teaware ingeniously incorporating traditional Yi patterns not only retain strong ethnic characteristics but also exude modern fashion appeal. Bringing them home becomes a unique and precious 'Chinese gift'."

The deepening of cultural identity ultimately hinges on fostering comprehensive integration across spatial, cultural, economic, social, and psychological dimensions among ethnic groups. The "Ganmo Aniu" cultural IP and the natural marvels of Heizhugou form a dual-star synergy, serving as powerful wings propelling the takeoff of Ebian's cultural tourism industry. In 2024, Ebian welcomed 4.964 million domestic tourists, generating 3.985 billion yuan in tourism revenue—a 55.7% and 116.8% year-on-year increase respectively. The year-round "Four Seasons Cultural Tourism" theme activities and the May Day holiday's single-day consumption exceeding 100 million yuan vividly demonstrate the transformative momentum unleashed by deep cultural integration. Within harmonious communities where 28 ethnic groups including Han, Hui, Yi, and Bai coexist, the vision of "Refined City, Beautiful Ebian" embodies heartfelt neighborhood solidarity. Vibrant "Four Seasons Cultural Activities" reflect joyful ethnic unity, while community sports events showcase cross-ethnic teamwork. "We make fragrant glutinous rice cakes together during neighborhood festivals, and our fun sports competitions transcend boundaries. Over time, brothers and sisters from different ethnicities have truly become one big family," remarked community worker Ms.Wang, deeply moved by this cultural fusion. Today, Xiaoliangshan has become a vibrant fertile ground for nurturing the consciousness of a Chinese national community.

This unique "cultural kinship" initiative has enabled Ganmo Aniu, a cultural gem of Liangshan, to radiate ever-greater brilliance through cross-cultural exchange. Looking ahead, Ebian County will continue to explore the shared spiritual values embedded in intangible cultural heritage. By preserving these traditions with meticulous care and revitalizing them through innovative integration, we aim to deepen their connection with modern markets while advancing industrialization and branding. As diverse ethnic cultures blossom and complement each other within China's cultural garden, the seeds of ethnic unity will grow even more intertwined, collectively painting a magnificent panorama for the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation. (Source: Ethnic and Religious Affairs Bureau of Ebian Yi Autonomous County, by Shu Ren A Fa)