Ice show 'Ice Reflects the Original Aspiration' premieres in Linyi

An original revolutionary-themed ice performance, "Ice Reflects the Original Aspiration," premiered at the Qiyang Ice and Snow Kingdom in Linyi, East China's Shandong province, on Oct 1.

The performance is divided into five chapters, with performers using the ice surface as a stage and body movement as their medium to portray revolutionary stories from the Yimeng region. At the finale, the entire cast sang "Ode to the Motherland," prompting the audience to join in, expressing the region's deep attachment to the country through an immersive, scene-based art form.

"Ode to Yimeng" is a widely known revolutionary classic, and its interlude "May Our Loved Ones Recover Soon" is still sung today. The story of the Yimeng Red Sisters' selfless devotion and the close bond between soldiers and civilians has long been a spiritual symbol of Yimeng revolutionary culture. The new show breaks with the traditional format of revolutionary performances, integrating Yimeng's revolutionary history into a visually striking ice art setting to make red culture visible, tangible and resonant for younger audiences.

Behind the performance was repeated polishing by the cast and crew. On a 920-square-meter low-temperature ice rink, 14 performers in thin costumes practiced repeatedly over long hours in the cold. The slippery, hard surface meant they had to withstand stiff limbs and physical exhaustion while overcoming limited movement, difficult control of routines and the risk of falls and collisions.

The premiere drew positive reviews. Many audience members said the combination of ice dancing and revolutionary storytelling was novel and moving, allowing them to appreciate the beauty of the performance while understanding the revolutionary heritage of the Yimeng region — an immersive experience that was both entertaining and educational.

The show is an innovative step by the scenic area to draw on local revolutionary resources and integrate red culture with the tourism industry, using ice art to carry forward Yimeng's revolutionary culture in a form that appeals to younger audiences, enriching holiday cultural tourism offerings and injecting new vitality into the high-quality development of local red tourism.

Editor：韩蒙蒙