China, a land of immense diversity and rich history, is home to a vibrant array of intangible cultural heritage (ICH). These living traditions, passed down through generations, encompass practices, representations, expressions, and knowledge that form an essential part of China’s cultural identity. From intricate handicrafts and traditional music to age-old festivals and folk stories, intangible cultural heritage captures the soul of the nation.
Recognized globally by UNESCO, many of China’s intangible cultural assets are treasures that connect the past to the present, offering insight into the values, creativity, and resilience of its people. These include:
• Traditional Festivals such as the Spring Festival and Dragon Boat Festival, celebrated with rituals, performances, and cuisine.
• Performing Arts like Peking Opera, Yueju Opera, Kun Qu Opera, Tibetan Opera and shadow puppetry, showcasing unique storytelling and artistic expression.
• Craftsmanship such as silk weaving, porcelain-making, and paper-cutting, reflecting China’s artistic mastery.
• Cultural Practices like Taijiquan, Chinese calligraphy and traditional medicine, which embody profound philosophies and knowledge systems.
OlaChina seeks to shine a spotlight on these invaluable cultural gems, promoting awareness and appreciation among international audiences. Through in-depth articles, interviews with practitioners, and interactive content, we aim to celebrate China’s intangible cultural heritage while encouraging its preservation in the face of modernization and globalization.
Join us as we explore the depth and beauty of China’s intangible cultural heritage—bridging the gap between tradition and modernity, and inspiring a shared commitment to protecting these living legacies for future generations.
UNESCO: List of intangible cultural heritage in China
- Traditional tea processing techniques and associated social practices in China (2022)
- Ong Chun/Wangchuan/Wangkang ceremony, rituals and related practices for maintaining the sustainable connection between man and the ocean (2020)
- Taijiquan (2020)
- Lum medicinal bathing of Sowa Rigpa, knowledge and practices concerning life, health and illness prevention and treatment among the Tibetan people in China (2018)
- The Twenty-Four Solar Terms, knowledge in China of time and practices developed through observation of the sun’s annual motion (2016)
- Chinese Zhusuan, knowledge and practices of mathematical calculation through the abacus (2013)
- Strategy for training coming generations of Fujian puppetry practitioners (2012)
- Hezhen Yimakan storytelling (2011)
- Chinese shadow puppetry (2011)
- Meshrep (2010)
- Watertight-bulkhead technology of Chinese junks (2010)
- Wooden movable-type printing of China (2010)
- Acupuncture and moxibustion of traditional Chinese medicine (2010)
- Peking opera (2010)
- Qiang New Year festival (2009)
- Traditional design and practices for building Chinese wooden arch bridges (2009)
- Traditional Li textile techniques: spinning, dyeing, weaving and embroidering (2009)
- Art of Chinese seal engraving (2009)
- China engraved block printing technique (2009)
- Chinese calligraphy (2009)
- Chinese paper-cut (2009)
- Chinese traditional architectural craftsmanship for timber-framed structures (2009)
- Craftsmanship of Nanjing Yunjin brocade (2009)
- Dragon Boat festival (2009)
- Farmers’ dance of China’s Korean ethnic group (2009)
- Gesar epic tradition (2009)
- Grand song of the Dong ethnic group (2009)
- Hua’er (2009)
- Manas (2009)
- Mazu belief and customs (2009)
- Mongolian art of singing, Khoomei (2009)
- Nanyin (2009)
- Regong arts (2009)
- Sericulture and silk craftsmanship of China (2009)
- Tibetan opera (2009)
- Traditional firing technology of Longquan celadon (2009)
- Traditional handicrafts of making Xuan paper (2009)
- Xi’an wind and percussion ensemble (2009)
- Yueju opera (2009)
- Guqin and its music (2008)
- Kun Qu opera (2008)
- Urtiin Duu, traditional folk long song (2008)
- Uyghur Muqam of Xinjiang (2008)
Reliable Reference: https://ich.unesco.org/en/lists