The art of painting pictures with words

For Qiao, the appeal of Shaanbei storytelling isn't just in the stories but in the emotional connection with the audience. The rhythmic chanting, the way the storyteller's voice brings characters to life, and the spontaneity of oral performance make it feel like a shared experience.

"It transcends the need for visuals. We are not just telling a story; we are living in it. The voice paints pictures in the audience's minds — there is laughter, anger and tragedy — all through the voice alone," he says.

However, like many traditional art forms, Shaanbei storytelling is struggling to find a place in today's fast-paced, screen-centric society. One of the biggest challenges artists face is the decline in young people taking up the craft. In fact, both He and Qiao have expressed deep concern over the lack of youth interested in learning storytelling.

"The younger generation is more interested in technology, video games and television. They don't understand the power of storytelling like we do. It's hard for them to see the value in learning a tradition that doesn't involve a screen or the internet," says Qiao.

Despite the challenges, both men are dedicated to keeping the tradition alive. They have taken it to schools, giving students a glimpse of the ancient art and stoking their interest, though progress has been slow.

"We create new stories relevant to the lives of the young. We also make the performances more interactive. We want to remind people of the enduring power of storytelling, a tradition that is never silent," Qiao says.