Eth-Noh-Tec

Nu Wa Storytelling Delegation Discovers the Magnificence of China

We walked the cobbled spine of the Great Wall, explored the courtyards of the Forbidden City, perused the gardens of the Summer Palace or Temple of Heaven and view the Hanging Temples, and Yungang Grottoes of Datong.

Our Journey to a Chinese Storytelling Village

The most exciting experience was visiting the traditional storytelling village of Gengcun. There, a plethora of tales and myths met us amidst a tradition so grand, that the researchers have deemed this rural farm community…“An Ocean of Stories.”

What is the Gengcun Storytelling Village?

We were welcomed by this story-loving village, home to over 134 storytellers capable of recounting age old yarns, legends, personal histories, folk tales and myths drawn from the communities’ centuries old legacy of listening and telling. This ancient village was once along a major merchant trade route and within the walls of many a tavern and inn, along its alleys and rest stops at the watering holes, the Chinese storytelling traditions were fostered, nurtured, and preserved as these farmers, goat shepherds, and brick factory workers maintained its rich narrative heritage.

Telling Between Two Worlds East and West

The master tellers of Gengcun are well-versed in over 500 stories, mid-level tellers may know 200-300 stories, and yes, even the children tell stories! Eth-Noh-Tec brought tellers of all levels with them as these Chinese storytellers invited their Western visitors into their homes, upon their porches, and in their “Hall of Stories” to not only share their Chinese lore, but listen to stories from other parts of the world.

Team Leaders

This delegation was hosted by the Nu Wa Team: Nancy Wang and Robert Kikuchi-Yngojo of Eth-Noh-Tec (San Francisco), Linda Fang (Washington, D.C.), and Doug Banner (Bellingham, Washington). China Journey 2010 was the fourth delegation lead by Eth-Noh-Tec (previous delegations: 2002, 2006, 2007).