The closing ceremony of the 14th China Art Festival. [Photo provided to gojilin.gov.cn]

Jilin's original errenzhuan (a type of song-and-dance duet) production, The Island Guard Couple, won the 18th Wenhua Award, the country's highest honor for stage art, at the recently concluded 14th China Art Festival.

Created by the Jilin Errenzhuan Art Theater, the work stood out as the province's only winning entry this year, marking the theater's return to national recognition after 33 years.

Inspired by the real-life story of Wang Jicai and Wang Shihua, a couple who dedicated 32 years to guarding Kaishan Island, the performance blends the heartfelt patriotism of their story with the expressive artistry of Lishu errenzhuan, a national intangible cultural heritage.

Two performers in The Island Guard Couple. [Photo provided to gojilin.gov.cn]

Through lyrical storytelling, inventive stage design, and a reimagined melody of China's national anthem, the show achieves a moving balance between humor and solemnity.

Director Zhao Dandan, upon receiving the award, emphasized that the honor belongs not to individuals but to the generations of artists who have upheld Jilin's errenzhuan tradition.

The acclaimed production has now embarked on a nationwide tour, continuing to share its powerful message of devotion and resilience.