Shen Yang tells the story of Cao Shoulian to children at the Affiliated Kindergarten of the Youth Palace in Rudong county, Nantong. [Photo/WeChat account: rudongfb]

Shen Yang, a representative practitioner of The Story of Cao Shoulian — a type of folk literature which has been recognized as a Nantong intangible cultural heritage item — visited the Affiliated Kindergarten of the Youth Palace in Rudong county, Nantong, on June 20.

Shen brought the beloved story to life for young children and gifted them illustrated picture books titled Cao Shoulian's Story: The Alms Quest.

The tale centers on the fictional character Cao Shoulian, who outsmarts corrupt officials during the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911). Rich in local dialects, humor, and folklore, the story reflects regional customs and has become deeply rooted in Rudong's cultural identity. In fact, the name Cao Shoulian has become synonymous with wisdom in local dialect.

On the same day, Shen Zhou, a county-level inheritor and Shen Yang's son, shared the story with children at the Jiefang Road Kindergarten.

"Traditional stories like this combine art, history, and folk traditions," said Xu Langyu, principal of the Affiliated Kindergarten of the Youth Palace. "They not only nurture an aesthetic appreciation in children but also a reverence for traditional culture."

The kindergarten plans to further integrate intangible heritage into its curriculum, using hands-on, creative activities to help children better understand, appreciate, and carry forward their hometown's rich cultural heritage.