Traditional folk arts from Hangzhou captivated audiences in France and Germany as performers from the Hangzhou Comic Art Troupe took part in the 15th Paris Chinese Quyi Festival and the 11th Germany Chinese Quyi Week.

Five artists showcased a range of Hangzhou's intangible cultural heritage, including dujiaoxi (one-man comic monologue), Hangzhou tanhuang, Hangzhou storytelling, xiaorehun folk singing and comic opera, bringing the city's distinctive cultural charm to European audiences.

At the Paris Chinese Cultural Center's Dragon Boat Festival celebration, performers combined music with hands-on cultural experiences, teaching visitors how to make zongzi (sticky rice dumplings) while introducing traditional Hangzhou snacks.

Classic performances, including the Hangzhou storytelling adaptation of The Legend of the White Snake and the comic play Giving Red Envelopes, were warmly received by both local audiences and overseas Chinese, many of whom were moved to hear their hometown dialect after decades abroad.

The troupe later continued its tour in Germany, where Hangzhou's folk arts and humor again won over audiences. "Humor has no borders, just like music," said troupe director Dong Qifeng. "We hope more folk arts will spread around the world and help more people discover Hangzhou and Chinese culture."

German audiences are immersed in a Hangzhou folk performance. [Photo/Hangzhou Daily]