Rooted in Shaanxi, Connected to Canada – My Story with Shaanxi

Qiao Yufen

Shaanxi Association of Canada

January 12, 2026, 00:00

Ancient Charm of Shaanxi, Cultural Splendor

"Qinzhong has been the land of emperors since ancient times," Shaanxi, this ancient and profound land, carries thousands of years of memories of Chinese civilization and shines with unique local cultural brilliance.

When you step into Shaanxi, ancient city walls come into view, standing silently like guardians of time. The Xi'an City Wall, having withstood the test of time, remains majestic and magnificent. Every brick is engraved with the traces of history, telling tales of past battles and prosperous times. Walking on it, you feel the weight of history beneath your feet and the vibrancy of modern life before your eyes; the fusion of the ancient and the modern evokes a profound sense of awe. Standing on the city wall and gazing into the distance, one can almost see the grandeur of Chang'an a thousand years ago: merchants gathered, camel bells jingled, and people in fine clothes moved about – a truly bustling scene.

When talking about Shaanxi culture, Qinqiang opera is undoubtedly a shining pearl. Its passionate, high-pitched, and unrestrained singing style, like the grandest bells, penetrates the vicissitudes of time and touches the heart. Qinqiang actors sing with their true voices, vividly portraying joy, anger, sorrow, and happiness. In rural areas, whenever Qinqiang is performed, the audience is always packed. The elderly listen with rapt attention, and even children, though not fully understanding the nuances, are captivated by the lively atmosphere. Qinqiang is not only an art form but also an integral part of the lives of the people of Shaanxi, carrying their emotions and aspirations.

Shaanxi's culinary culture is equally mouthwatering. Lamb stew with bread, a renowned dish, has conquered the taste buds of countless diners with its rich broth, tender lamb, and chewy bread pieces. The steaming hot lamb stew with bread, served with an irresistible aroma, makes one eager to dig in. To eat, break the bread into small pieces, place them in a bowl, pour over the boiling lamb broth, sprinkle with scallions, cilantro, and chili oil, stir well, and every bite is full of satisfaction. Then there are the wide, belt-like noodles, chewy and smooth, topped with a spoonful of hot chili oil—a sizzling sound that instantly releases the aroma. This is Shaanxi's favorite oil-splashed noodles, simple yet incredibly flavorful, leaving a lasting impression.

Paper-cutting art is also a treasure of Shaanxi's local culture. During festivals, in Shaanxi's rural courtyards, you can always see women sitting together, carefully cutting paper with scissors. Before long, lifelike paper-cut works were created: there were auspicious dragons and phoenixes symbolizing good fortune, abundant offspring and blessings year after year, and agricultural scenes depicting folk life. These paper-cut works were pasted on windows and doors, adding a strong festive atmosphere to the festival and vividly demonstrating the Shaanxi people's yearning for a better life.

Shaanxi, this enchanting land, boasts a rich cultural heritage, from its ancient city walls and vibrant Qinqiang opera to its tempting cuisine and exquisite paper cutting. These are gifts of history and the crystallization of the wisdom of the Shaanxi people. In the tide of the new era, Shaanxi's local culture is radiating new vitality, attracting more people to explore and appreciate it, allowing the world to experience the unique charm of Chinese civilization. Shaanxi's local culture is like a treasure trove, giving me knowledge and strength. In the days to come, I will continue to grow in this fertile cultural soil, striving to become a inheritor and disseminator of Shaanxi's local culture, allowing this cultural pearl to shine even brighter in the new era.