Objectives

1. Create a special themed cultural activity to promote the development of cultural industry via quality performances that attracts media coverage and the public's participation.

2. Combine with local cultural features to root the local culture deeply and develop tourism while establishing a city image of drum art for New Taipei City.

3. Invite outstanding domestic and international performers to engage in drum art exchanges and promote the inheritance of drum art via "drum classes".

4. Arrange teachers and professional drum performing groups to do drum teaching and performances at schools in communities to enhance recognition of residents with the local culture through experience activities and performances.

5. In order to expand the range of participation, invited groups perform in the main areas of New Taipei City to promote drum art exchange and the uniqueness and cultural characteristics of "Xinzhuang Xiangrenhe Drums".

Introduction

2011 is the year that New Taipei City stepped into a new chapter of special municipality, inheriting the rich cultural and historical context and landscapes of the biggest administrative area in Taiwan. At the celebration moment for upgrading, using the international renowned Xinzhuang Xiangrenhe Drum and Bell Factory as the historical background, New Taipei City Government promotes the drum making skills and the fun of drumming via the activity of "Joyfully Drumming for New Taipei City" and celebrates the elevation of New Taipei City. Via essential drum performances for all celebrations, domestic and international renowned drum performing groups bring the public exciting and happy performances by exhibiting the happy celebrating moments of their own countries. This series of activities are an extension of the drum art culture that has been promoted since 2007. Meanwhile, through various sedentary and dynamic activities, people are able to experience the beauty of drum art while the growth and vitalities of New Taipei City are further demonstrated.

About the Activity

This year, New Taipei City Xinzhuang International Drum-Art Festival is held from 4th to 25th of June, dividing into 2 sections of sedentary exhibitions and dynamic performances. The City Government invites outstanding domestic and international drum performing groups to participate in the event. The groups include GOKASEN from Japan, HTAT from Korea, DIR from Turkey, Dhol Federation from Malaysia, Taizhong Drum Group from Shanxi, China and world renowned performing groups of Ju Percussion Group, Yu Gu Fun Drum Group and XINDRUM which is composed of "Xinzhaung local kids playing local made drums" as well as the renowned Taipei Ching-Ho-Kuang Lion Dance Troupe, Contemporary Music Group, Drum Soul, Lien Percussion, East Folk Drums and Arts Troupe and Chio Tian Folk Drums and Arts Troupe, a total of 15 groups to bring the public amazing performances. The government also arranges a cultural exhibition titled "Gongs, Drumming to the world!", drum skill teaching classes in communities, drum learning camp taught by professional drum players, and drum performances in schools. In addition, a tour of temple street titled "Experience the old times of Xinzhaung", introduction to temples and traditional occupations in Xinzhuang by the local workers of history and art, is available to the public. "Thousands of Drum Thunders - The New Taipei City Tour" and the drum mobile exhibition are held in other main areas such as Banqiao, Xinzhuang, Tamsui, Xindian, so that the local drum art of Xinzhuang will be spread to every corner of New Taipei City. Furthermore, "Drum Stuff DIY" activity provides a chance for participants to experience the fun of making drum first hand. Parents and children are especially welcome. Most importantly, to continue the popular stamp-collection activity this year, residents may exchange for a lovely "Cute Drum Figurine" for every 3 stamps collected at the closing night party. Limited figurines available.

Local Highlights

Xinzhuang Old Street: The development of Xinzhuang can be traced back to as early as the end of Emperor Kangci in Qing Dynasty and the streets and markets were built during the time of Emperor Yongzheng and Qienglong. Because it was a society composed of immigrants, the changes were even more severe. Furthermore, the concept of relic preservation was not yet instilled in local people, there are only limited historic relics left now. However, one of the temples, Kuangfu Temple, built in the early years of Xinzhuang is classified as 2nd Grade Historic Construction by the Ministry of Interior. Three of them are the 3d Grade Historic Construction: Wenchang Temple, Ciyou Temple and Wusheng Temple. Fukuang Temple is of primitive simplicity. Wenchang Temple is secluded. Ciyou Temple is hustling and bustling. Wusheng Temple is solemn. Each is unique in its own way. Since they were built and restored in different times and are of different beliefs. Visitors, by visiting the Xinzhuang Old Street, are able to see temples of different architecture styles and experience different local beliefs in Taiwan.

Drums: The famous Xiangrenhe Drum in Xinzhuang was established by Wang Gui-Zhi, A.K.A. A-Tu Master. It is currently run by the second-generation heir, A-Tun Mater's first son Wang Shi-Kuen. The drums made by Xiangrenhe are in high quality, with excellent skills, and durable. Xiangrenhe drums are very popular in both Taiwan and overseas. Maltose: Xinzhuang was once the hometown of maltose in Taiwan. In the 40th year of R.O.C., there were 12 maltose factories in Xinzhuang and now only Wengyumei Store still exists. Wengyumei Store was established in the 27th year of Emperor Kuanxui in Qing Dynasty (1901) and it is now in the 3rd generation. They make their maltose according to the methods passed on for generations and the ingredients have always been malt and wheat (or cassava). Sponge cakes: The Su's Sponge Cakes at the "Bamboo market" is a well-known sponge cake store that has been established for more than 100 years. "Uncle Sponge Cakes" is known to everyone in Xinzhuang Old Street. Blacksmith Store: Wang Jin-Zhuan Blacksmith Store was established around the early year of the Japanese occupation and it is still open in Xinzhuang now, specializing in handmade agricultural tools, bamboo shoot knives, grass knives, cooking knives and drills. It once enjoyed a reputation in Taiwan and Japan, attracting many Japanese to learn with Wang Jin-Zhuan. The blacksmithing skills along the train rails in north Taiwan and in Shilin, Ruifang and Shuangxhi have shared a long history with the Wang family. The Wang family is even called "The King of Blacksmith in Xinzhuang". Pastries: in the early year of Taiwan when rice was the main meals, pastries were the most representative of the simple and primitive spirit of agricultural society. Laoshunxiang Pastry was established in the period of Japanese occupation and their pastries are handmade without adding artificial fragrances or preservatives so that customers may enjoy their pastries without any health concerns. Kimhe Pastries has been passed on to the 4th generation since the founder Mr. Hong Qi-Shan and all pastries are made in their original old fashion way for keeping their original flavors. Xinzhuang Pastries are of various kinds and The "Xianguang (Salty) Cakes" have been their number 1 sale. Grilled Dried Bean Curds: There used to be many grilled dried bean curd stores on the street of Xinzhuang but only Youxiefeng Bean Curd Store in Quanan Village still opens now. Youxiefeng Bean Curd Store was established in the year of Emperor Tungzhi in Qing Dynasty. Their grilled dried bean curds with charcoal scents and the salty flavor have always been the favorite of many local people.

The Old Residence of Lin Cuan-Chen: Lin Cuan-Chen Construction is the "traditional Taiwanese long hall, residence and store compound". The plan is symmetrical. The construction layout is of single shop width with two halls; the outer to inner space is divided into arcade, store, and bedrooms. The courtyard and kitchen are in the first hall; the worship room and bedrooms are in the second hall. It is worth noting that both front and back doors have installed "Lilong" which is for defending the robbers. It is the classical example for studying traditional construction space of the Xinzhuang Old Street. The Drama Troupe Street: during Qing Dynasty, Xinzhuang was the political and economic center of northern Taiwan where businessmen and artists gathered. Also with many festivals and temple fairs held at that time, the music development was flourishing: hand puppet troupe "Jinshanghualou", "Jinhualou", "Xiaoxiyuan", "Little World" and "Little Garden" and Beiguan music club such as "Junxiantang" and "New Paradise", Nanguan clubs such as "Juxiantang". Lane 359 of Xinzhuang Road once lived many teachers (Qu-Xian) for teaching opera pieces so that people wanted to learn traditional operas always gathered there, and that is why it is called "The Drama Troupe Alley". Water-Carrying Alley: Before the time when water provision was not common, it was one of the main water sources for many locals. The Water-Carrying Ally that connects Xinzhuang Street and Jinde Road was the most passed-by location for water-carrying and that was the reason it got the name "Water-Carrying Alley". What is special about this alley is that it is only wide enough for 2 people to walk by, therefore, it enjoys the same fame as the famous "Gentlemen Ally" in Lukang.

Information provided by: Xing-Zhi-Bao Culture and History Workshop