Practice studies on the transmission of NiuGe Opera as Chinese intangible cultural heritage in education

Shuanghua Quan, Narongruch Woramitmaitree and Tawanchai Suanmonta

African Educational Research Journal
Published: March 9 2026
Volume 14, Issue 1
Pages 158-166
DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.18925831

Abstract

This study investigates the transmission practices of NiuGe Opera as Chinese intangible cultural heritage in education in Teng County of the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region during significant socio-cultural transformations and the decline of traditional apprenticeship systems. It examines how educational settings, community engagement, and intergenerational learning processes contribute to structured school-based instruction and cultural sustainability. Qualitative fieldwork was conducted in schools, cultural centers, local archives, and active troupes between 2024 and 2025, involving five key informants, including community scholars and practitioners. NiuGe Opera is mainly based on genealogical and mentorship-based learning systems. However, due to demographic decline, reduced performance opportunities, and policy limitations, the opera is gradually fading. In response, classroom teaching activities have emerged as an important mechanism for transmitting cultural knowledge, enhancing student interest, and narrowing generational gaps. Nevertheless, insufficient teacher training, the absence of standardized instructional materials, and fragmented preservation policies continue to challenge long-term sustainability. For NiuGe Opera to be renewed, the study recommends strengthened cultural policy support, enhanced collaboration between schools and transmitters, and systematic curriculum integration. These findings demonstrate how formal education can serve as an effective mechanism for protecting local opera traditions in contemporary rural China, thereby contributing to the broader field of heritage education.

Keywords: NiuGe Opera, intangible heritage transmission, educational practice, cultural sustainability, Teng County.

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