Traditional culture elements score extra perfect marks at Diving World Cup

 

Written by: Zhou Xin, World Aquatics Correspondent

From a Shaanxi opera to leather shadow puppets, ink-painting on water, dough sculpture, paper cutting, Hanfu clothes, drums, and Terracotta warrior mascots, athletes at the World Aquatics Diving World Cup were surprised that they were surrounded by Chinese cultural elements during their one-week stay at the historical Chinese city.

Sixty-three elite divers from thirteen teams competed in the Diving World Cup as the host team China swept nine gold medals on offer at the top-tier international competition. However, medals were not the only thing divers were looking for. The teams also received better views of Chinese traditional culture as the extra full marks outside of the pool.

Local organizers built up a walking street with some Chinese intangible cultural heritage demonstrations, performances, and experiences en route to the athletes' dining hall.

Rio Olympic champion Jack Laugher of Great Britain said the cultural performances in the hotel were captivating.

"I have been to Xi'an at least five times during the last 10 years. It is a really, really cool way to learn about the Chinese culture just within our hotel. I banged on drums and played with the shadow puppets. By the way, the event mascot of Terra Cotta Warriors is very cute."

With his performances in Xi'an - taking home two silvers and a bronze - Laugher's suitcase heading back from the World Cup included three mascots from those visits to the awards podium.

 

Eduard Cristian Timbretti Gugiu and his Italian teammates enjoyed Chinese folk music and tried on the Chinese traditional clothes Hanfu, commemorating the moment with selfies and group photos.

"We have seen many interesting things here. The Hanfu clothes are very unique and cool," Gugiu said. "The music is so different from western music. I am learning a lot. It's fun.

"It is my first time in China and I am really interested in many things," the 20-year-old Italian added. "I also tried on noodle making but I don't know how to call them, too many types and flavours. Some of the noodles taste really good. The local special forward - sandwich with meat (Roujiamo) - is very delicious."

 

Christina Wassen and her younger sister Elena decided to try on Hanfu after their competition. "It's incredibly beautiful. We have not tried on the clothes before our competition but we will do that after for sure," said the elder German platform competitor.

Many divers were attracted by handcraft making and learned the skills of making a traditional shadow puppet with leather and Tang Liu Cai, an ink painting technique on the water invented in Tang Dynasty (618 -907 AD).

"The art of painting on the water is just as same as our sport. We always try to present our best gestures into water," Danylo Konovalov of Ukraine had his understanding related to the Chinese ancient painting art together with diving. "I have tried some good ink paintings."

 

Isaac Souza Filho and his Brazilian teammates tried on traditional Chinese facial makeup and even learned how to make Chinese noodles.

"We were told the makeup patterns we picked meant happiness and good fortune. I learned to make Chinese noodles and Flower Mo Bread though I have never cooked at home," Souza Filho said. "Now I can show my new cooking skills to my family when I come back home."

Officials from World Aquatics were impressed by both the professional organization as well as the cultural activities in Xi'an.

"The city of Xi'an is extraordinary because it has very wide historical interests with a huge amount of cultural experiences. The management of the event has been absolutely perfect and it takes it to another level," said Beck Melanie, secretary-in-general of the Diving Technical Committee of World Aquatics.

Jesus Mena, the vice chairperson of Diving Technical Committee of World Aquatics, said he would come back to Xi'an as many times as possible.

"This is the top of the organization, facility volunteers, audience and beautiful city," Jesus said. "I would recommend and suggest that we come back here as many times as possible. This is really a perfect host that we are delighted to be in Xian."