Applause echoed through Jinan's markets on Oct 14 as performances and community services brought cultural activities to residents.

The first events under the citywide rural cultural development initiative took place at Tangwang market in Licheng district and Zhuzhuang market in Huaiyin district, pairing traditional performances with practical services to promote cultural cultivation.

Songs, dances, and a lively clapper talk (a traditional form of Chinese rhythmic storytelling and narrative singing) performance drew crowds, while a nearby fair offered 21 stalls featuring intangible cultural heritage displays, public services, health consultations, and legal information.

The initiative also aims to make cultural activities a regular part of rural life, with Jinan to deploy 150 municipal cultural mentors to designated villages, each supported by a local cultural leader who will help organize activities and nurture talent. Arts groups and businesses will also be invited to serve as cultural partners, helping villages develop distinctive programs.

Further events are scheduled for Oct 15 and 16 at Guodian market in Licheng district and Queshan market in the Jinan Start-up Area for Growth Drivers' Transformation.

In the future, the program will bring together cultural resources from the municipal, county, township, and village levels to stage at least 150 rural cultural activities, including public performances and traditional opera shows.

Residents line up for free medical consultations at a market in Jinan. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Residents watch a live performance. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]