Not long ago, Bureau of Culture, Radio, Television and Tourism of Jiaxing announced the representative projects of the eighth municipal-level intangible cultural heritages. Among them, the folk art “Gongs and Drums of Ganpu from Ganpu Town” was included. This ancient art form not only carries profound historical memories of local communities but also serves as a modern cultural treasure and a new gem in Jiaxing’s intangible cultural heritages.

The history of the Gongs and Drums of Ganpu dates back to the mid-to-late Qing Dynasty. At that time, two folk art troupes—the Yang Family Art Troupe and the Shen Family Troupe were established in Ganpu. The former boasted a group of ensembles, such as the gong and drum ensemble, primarily providing musical accompaniment for local Buddha worship ceremonies— which were traditional rituals held during weddings, birthday and stores’ opening ceremonies. By the late Qing Dynasty, the wind instrumentalists and drummers gradually separated from these troupes, solidifying gongs and drums as indispensable instruments for festive occasions and earning deep affection among locals.

With a unique art style, the gong and drum ensemble usually comprises six musicians and is equipped with a large drum ( a “copper drum”), a large gong, a set of cymbals, and a small gong (a “Dangdang gong”). The drummer is the core, who controls the rhythms and transitions between the drum and gong. The rhythms and beats vary richly, and can be adjusted flexibly in different occasions. For example, during weddings, distinctive drum beats appear at different ritual processes like “welcoming the bride”, “urging the wedding ceremony”, “lively interludes” and “cheering”, which creates jubilant and melodious atmospheres.

Despite the growing popularity of the Western music today, the gongs and drums remain deeply cherished in Ganpu and continue to play a vital role in traditional celebrations such as weddings and soldiers’ enlistment ceremonies and serve as a cultural bridge for exchanges.

The preservation and inheritance of this ancient art safeguard traditional culture and reflect local cultural confidence. The fact that it was included into the municipal-level list will garner greater attention and support, inject new vitality into its sustainable development and ensure its enduring vibrancy in the modern era.