Aesthetic education to take root in Zhangye

He Yingchun joins students in their music class in Sunan Yugur autonomous county in Zhangye, Gansu province. [Photo provided to gozhangye.com]

He Yingchun, a member of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference and deputy headmaster of No 3 Middle School in Sunan Yugur autonomous county in Zhangye, has turned her attention to aesthetic education reform at China's 2026 two sessions.

Based on her extensive experience in basic education and research, He Yingchun has observed an imbalance in the current education system, where intellectual training is prioritized over aesthetic education.

She said that aesthetic education curricula in primary and secondary schools are fragmented, and that local cultural resources — such as music, art, and intangible cultural heritage — are not being fully utilized.

At the two sessions, she plans to offer suggestions on strengthening aesthetic education in schools.

Her recommendations include deepening teaching reforms to build a systematic curriculum that integrates national, local, and school-based programs, and transforming local culture and intangible cultural heritage into high-quality teaching resources.

He Yingchun envisions aesthetic education becoming an integral part of children's growth, helping them express emotions, relieve stress, and discover their potential.

She hopes that through these reforms, children's artistic skills and psychological resilience will be enhanced, creating a more joyful learning environment.