International High School
The autumn breeze brings a refreshing breeze, and the fragrance of osmanthus fills the path. On the afternoon of October 25th, all the teachers and students of our International Integration High School embarked on a unique social practice journey, heading straight to the picturesque Xiangzhang Park in Guinan Village, Wugui Mountain. This is not just a simple trip but also an extraordinary exploration of Zhongshan's local intangible cultural heritage!
The long-standing relationship between Zhongshan and agarwood
Zhongshan City, formerly known as Xiangshan, has an inexplicable connection with agarwood in its name. The 'Xiangshan County Annals', a significant historical document compiled during the Jiajing period of the Ming Dynasty, provided a commentary on the naming of Xiangshan: 'The old'Annals 'stated that Xiangshan was named after fragrant trees that were suitable for its location. Nowadays, there are very few fragrant trees in the county, so why use Xianglu Mountain as an excuse?' It can be inferred that Xiangshan was named after agarwood production before the Sui and Tang dynasties. Naming a region after agarwood is the only example of this in China.
As the only town and street in Zhongshan City designated as an ecological protection zone, Wuguishan's natural ecological environment is very conducive to the growth of agarwood. Until now, the largest wild agarwood community in China is still preserved in Wuguishan, accounting for over 50% of the country's reserves.
Agarwood Science Popularization, Revealing Natural Wonders
In the embrace of Xiangzhang Park, we first welcomed a science popularization feast about agarwood.
Through vivid and exciting explanations, we learned about agarwood's formation- a work of art crafted by nature and time. Behind each piece of agarwood lies a story of wind, rain, lightning, insect infestation, and ant erosion. This deepens our understanding of agarwood and inspires our curiosity and reverence for the mysteries of nature.
On-site visits, witnessing the miracle of life
Subsequently, we stepped into the agarwood garden and witnessed firsthand the growth process of agarwood trees, from seedlings to towering trees, and the mysterious and unpredictable process of producing incense. Under the guidance of professionals, experts in the field of agarwood cultivation and processing, we learned how to identify agarwood trees, understood the natural conditions under which agarwood is formed, and appreciated the wisdom of human intervention. Every step was filled with admiration for nature and craftsmanship.
Hand-drawn incense, experience intangible cultural heritage skills
The most exciting part is undoubtedly experiencing the art of extracting fragrance from intangible cultural heritage firsthand! Under the guidance of our master, we carefully used special tools to pick up agarwood. Each knife needed to be careful because it not only showed respect for agarwood but also inherited traditional culture. At that moment, we deeply experienced the true meaning of 'agarwood comes from hard work.'
Local materials, agarwood Tea egg
There is no luxurious kitchen or complex equipment. Students rely solely on their skillful hands and the surrounding natural environment to source materials locally. Some groups go to the chicken coop to find eggs, some groups pick agarwood leaves, and some groups inspect withered tree branches. They use the clear springs in the mountains to slowly boil, blending the aroma of agarwood with the richness of tea leaves, and then carefully immerse ordinary eggs one by one into this unique soup.
Time becomes gentle and long here, every minute is a patient wait for delicious food.
Handmade fragrance prints bring creativity home
The event's climax is undoubtedly the handmade production of intangible cultural heritage and fragrance seals. We unleash our creativity and print unique fragrance prints in the colorful fragrance powder. They are witnesses to today's beautiful times and bridges for us to bring back this intangible cultural heritage and pass it on to more people.
This social practice is not only a deep exploration of Zhongshan's intangible cultural heritage but also a witness to the baptism and growth of the soul. In this land full of cultural heritage, we have learned to respect nature and traditions and have also gained valuable team memories and personal insights. Let us continue to sail in the ocean of knowledge with this unique experience and move towards a more brilliant future!
