Gail Eijk from Suriname, a first-time participant in painting lion heads, found the process fascinating. A long-time fan of lion dances, she shared, The lion dance has always intrigued me. I never knew the depth of the Lion Spirit until today, and now I appreciate it even more. I've always watched performances in my country, but today was special—being part of the process made me feel connected to it."
Joshua Regrello, a steelpan master from Trinidad and Tobago, had the chance to experience the provincial intangible cultural heritage of the Xinchang Drum during his visit. His eyes remained fixed on the drums, unable to look away, clearly entranced by their craftsmanship. The powerful and resonant sound of the drums captivated him instantly. Enthusiastic and energized, he exclaimed, "I could drum here for a whole day! Every drum calls to me, every single one has its own unique tone, and the sound is just incredible!" When he learned that it takes five years to craft a Xinchang Drum, he was awestruck.
He later showcased his own talents by playing his steelpan, performing both music from his home country and the famous Chinese Chinese folk tune "Jasmine Flower," sparking lively interaction with the onlookers. He marveled at the cultural significance shared by both instruments, saying, "While the materials and techniques differ, both the steelpan and Xinchang Drum carry deep cultural roots. They are true treasures of their respective cultures."