Chen Nan

This is a typical day for Yang Jinlong.

At 9 am, he drives to primary schools and middle schools in Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, to teach students about Shaanxikuaiban, a form of traditional Chinese form of storytelling in Shaanxi dialect to the rhythm of bamboo clappers,after which the art form is named.Sometimes,the classes involve rehearsals for performances and competitions. Usually, his classes run until about 6 pm, and then he returns home to prepare classes for the next day.

On the weekends, he teaches for six hours each day at art education institutions in Xi'an. As a Shaanxikuaibanperformer, he also spends time writing and rehearsing new pieces.

On June 10, the Ministry of Culture and Tourism identified 325 national intangible cultural heritage（非物質(zhì)文化遺產(chǎn)）items in Beijing, increasing the list established in 2006 to 1,557 items. Shaanxikuaiban, which emerged during the late Qing Dynasty,has been included.“Kuaibanhas a large fan base in Shaanxi.There are many professional artists and amateur performers,”said Yang,45.

Yang has been teaching young people the art form since 2003 after graduating from the National Academy of Chinese Theatre Arts in Beijing, where he majored inquyiperformance.Quyiis a general term for Chinese folk art forms, including ballad singing, storytelling, crosstalk and clapper talk.

“Art education is important for students in China.Just as many students learn to play Western musical instruments like the piano and violin, there are many people learning traditional Chinese folk arts,including Shaanxikuaiban.They are committed and passionate,”he said.

Kuaibanis popular in northern China, including Beijing and Tianjin. According to Yang, Shaanxikuaibanwas influenced by the artistry of different regions. The art form can be performed by a group of performers or solo.With one or two pairs ofkuaibanof different sizes in hand,the performers speak in local dialect while telling stories,which are usually about heroes.The performer tells stories while playingkuaiban,and it's easy for the audience to remember the stories since all the lines rhyme.