Tu Songgen displays his skill during his bamboo pole performance that has been a highlight of the historical Silkworm Flower Water Festival in Tongxiang, Zhejiang province. [Photo provided to China Daily]

A group effort

Moved by Tu's persistence, a few locals also joined in, forming a high-pole boat performance squad.

Their efforts aroused the enthusiasm of other folk art practitioners, and together they began to prepare to put on the festival once again, which was resurrected in 1999.

The long-awaited holiday turned out to be a sensational success, and packed in a huge crowd of visitors.

Tu and his squad eventually got to show the boat performance in full before the public. "I can still remember the cheers and applause that day," he says.

In the early days after the festival's resumption, only a small number of people would engage in high-pole boat acrobatics due to the high risks and physical requirements involved. "Not only that, there was not much income to be gained from doing it," Tu explains.

Fortunately, the Zhouquan authorities recognized the cultural value of such performances and began to provide support to Tu, helping to apply to higher authorities to have his art listed as an intangible cultural heritage, guaranteeing patronage and protection.

As the feat has come to the attention of the nation, so has Tu and his co-performers.

Tu has since been invited to deliver performances on programs broadcast by China Central Television and the Beijing Radio and Television Station. He has also been invited to perform at scenic spots across Zhejiang province and the neighboring Jiangsu province, and has been named a provincial inheritor of the intangible cultural heritage in Zhejiang.

Young people who have a daredevil spirit have also made their way to Tu's door and asked for training. Luo Huawen from Southwest China's Sichuan province was one of them.

"I was drawn to the stunning performance when I watched it the first time more than a decade ago," says the man, now in his 30s.

Under Tu's guidance, Luo has come up with innovative moves that have added to the charm of the boat show.

Tu speaks highly of Luo's efforts and says he hopes more of his disciples can do the same and help simultaneously carry forward and adapt the craft.

As he has gotten older, Tu has had to reduce the frequency of his performances, but he says he will continue to participate in the Silkworm Flower Water Festival.

"I just feel happy to perform for my fellow villagers," he says.