Core Viewpoint - The traditional Bai Ku Yao spinning top, a cultural heritage sport, is experiencing a revival through innovative practices and community engagement, led by representative inheritor He Guangbin [1][2][3]. Group 1: Cultural Heritage and Tradition - The Bai Ku Yao spinning top has a history of several hundred years and is an essential traditional sport during festivals, loved by the local community [1]. - The spinning top is handcrafted from high-quality wood, weighing between 2 to 3 pounds, and is accompanied by a whip made from wild vines or hemp rope [2]. Group 2: Challenges and Innovations - The spinning top tradition faced decline as fewer people practiced it, particularly with younger generations moving away for work [2]. - He Guangbin has innovated the practice by developing a new performance style that incorporates spinning on various body parts, and he has established a spinning top processing factory and a cultural heritage exhibition hall [2]. Group 3: Revival and Community Engagement - Since being listed as a representative project of intangible cultural heritage in Guangxi in 2014, the spinning top sport has attracted more tourists, integrating traditional sports with rural tourism [3]. - He Guangbin has become a popular coach, teaching visitors and students, thus fostering a new generation of practitioners and ensuring the continuation of this cultural tradition [3].

Core Viewpoint - The Chengdu International Intangible Cultural Heritage Festival is a significant event aimed at showcasing and promoting intangible cultural heritage, emphasizing the dynamic revitalization of cultural practices in urban public spaces [1][12]. Group 1: Event Overview - The festival opened on May 28 and will run until June 3, featuring the theme "Enhancing Communication and Mutual Learning, Stimulating Inheritance Vitality, and Sharing a Better Life" [1]. - The event is co-hosted by the Sichuan Provincial Government, the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, UNESCO, and the National Commission of China for UNESCO [1]. Group 2: Performances and Activities - The opening ceremony included performances that showcased international dialogue and cross-border innovation through traditional arts such as Emei martial arts and Tai Chi [2]. - A parade featured 51 domestic and international teams, highlighting the diversity and international nature of intangible cultural heritage [2]. Group 3: Technological Integration - The festival includes a technology-enabled exhibition that utilizes AI and AR to redefine the presentation of intangible cultural heritage, allowing for immersive experiences [7]. - New projects such as a mobile game based on the 24 solar terms and a VR art exhibition on oracle bone inscriptions were launched to engage audiences [7]. Group 4: Community Engagement - The festival promotes community participation with activities across 288 community practice spaces in 183 districts and counties in Sichuan, integrating intangible cultural heritage into urban life [10]. - Events like the International Intangible Cultural Heritage Food Week and Traditional Medicine Promotion Week aim to showcase the contemporary value of traditional practices [10]. Group 5: International Collaboration - The festival features an international IP licensing transaction event, inviting various global entities to collaborate on intangible cultural heritage projects, enhancing international cooperation [9].

Group 1 - The 21st China (Shenzhen) International Cultural Industries Fair showcases various intangible cultural heritage projects and products, attracting both domestic and international visitors [1] - The Longmen Lv's Brick Carving Glaze Company from Shanxi presents unique glaze refrigerator magnets, highlighting the complexity of their production process which involves 16 steps [1] - The company has expanded its market by designing and developing a series of cultural and creative products, with many visitors and exhibitors expressing interest in collaboration [1] Group 2 - The Jiangxi Pavilion features over 2,000 cultural and creative products with intangible heritage elements, and has already made several sales during the fair [2] - The "Spring Bowl," inspired by the classic "Zhengde Bowl," has sold approximately 80,000 sets this year, symbolizing good fortune and embodying traditional Chinese New Year customs [2] - The popularity of Thangka art is rising among younger audiences, with the Inner Mongolia Yunshu Trading Company showcasing limited edition Thangka artworks that blend traditional and modern aesthetics [2][3]

Core Viewpoint - The article emphasizes the cultural significance and economic potential of traditional food, specifically the sour soup from Guizhou, which is evolving from a local delicacy to a recognized industry with substantial market value [3][5]. Industry Overview - The sour soup industry in Qiandongnan Miao and Dong Autonomous Prefecture is projected to exceed a total output value of 2.5 billion yuan by 2024, with over 1,600 sour soup restaurants covering 62 cities [5]. - The industry is supported by the integration of traditional culinary practices with modern production techniques, enhancing both quality and efficiency [10]. Key Players - Wu Duqin, founder of the "Lianghuanzhai" brand and a representative inheritor of the national intangible cultural heritage of the Kaili sour soup fish-making technique, has played a pivotal role in popularizing sour soup [7][9]. - Bai Zuoteng, who transitioned from a medical background to the food industry, established Guizhou Leishan Laoteng Food Co., focusing on fish sauce, which has gained popularity in the market [10]. - Pan Caiyun, chairman of Kaili Niujiao Miao Sour Soup Food Co., has developed her own sour soup brand and is expanding into industrial production and market promotion [13]. Cultural Significance - The sour soup not only serves as a culinary staple but also embodies the historical and cultural heritage of the local community, with a tradition of using sour flavors for food preservation dating back over 1,400 years [4][9]. - The article highlights the importance of preserving traditional cooking methods while adapting to modern market demands, ensuring the cultural legacy continues [12][13]. Market Development - The establishment of specialized industrial parks and incubation bases for sour soup is contributing to the formation of a comprehensive industry chain and new business models [11]. - The collaboration between local producers and larger food chains is facilitating the introduction of unique regional flavors to a broader audience, enhancing brand recognition [10][13].

Core Viewpoint - The Chongqing Tongliang Dragon Dance, a significant cultural heritage, is experiencing a revival and innovation through the participation of younger generations, enhancing its artistic appeal and international presence [1][2][3]. Group 1: Cultural Significance and History - The Tongliang Dragon Dance has a history of nearly a thousand years and was included in the first batch of national intangible cultural heritage in 2006 [1][2]. - The dance has evolved from simple street performances to incorporating elements of acrobatics, dance, and opera, resulting in over 200 new movements that significantly enhance its visual appeal [2]. Group 2: Youth Involvement and Training - The majority of the performers in the Chongqing Tongliang Dragon Art Troupe are from the "post-00s" generation, with the youngest member being only 18 years old [1]. - More than 100 primary and secondary schools in the region have established dragon dance teams, with over 60,000 students gaining experience in dragon dance [2]. Group 3: Innovation and Modernization - Recent innovations include the integration of "Chinese style" costumes, the use of symphonic music, and lighter props, making the performance more visually appealing and easier to control [2]. - The dragon dance has become a medium for international cultural exchange, having performed in over 30 countries [2]. Group 4: Passion and Dedication - Performers express a strong commitment to the art, often enduring injuries during training, driven by their love for the dragon dance and the desire to share its charm with a wider audience [3].

Core Viewpoint - The article highlights the dedication of Su Yijia, a cultural innovator and inheritor of the Shantou fishing song tradition, who has been performing and preserving this cultural heritage for 36 years, emphasizing its importance in rural revitalization and cultural transmission [2][7][30]. Group 1: Cultural Heritage and Transmission - Su Yijia has been recognized as a "Model Worker of Guangdong Province" for her efforts in preserving and innovating the Shantou fishing songs, which are integral to the local culture [8][30]. - The Shantou fishing songs reflect the life and emotions of fishing families, with lyrics often depicting elements of their daily lives, such as fishing and relationships [14][27]. - Su Yijia's work includes collecting and recording nearly lost fishing songs, ensuring that the wisdom and melodies of the older generation are not forgotten [22][24]. Group 2: Community Engagement and Modernization - The New Port Fishing Song Team, where Su Yijia is a core member, has been actively involved in community performances, bringing fishing songs to various venues, including schools and public spaces, thus promoting cultural awareness [30][37]. - The team has adapted the fishing songs to modern contexts, incorporating themes such as anti-drug campaigns and fire safety into their performances, making the songs relevant to contemporary audiences [45][46]. - Su Yijia has developed a comprehensive training system for teaching fishing songs in schools, fostering a new generation of performers and ensuring the tradition's continuity [58][61]. Group 3: Recognition and Impact - Su Yijia has received multiple accolades for her contributions to music and culture, including titles such as "Outstanding Musician of Guangdong Province" and "Cultural Advanced Worker of Shantou City" [69][71]. - The New Port Fishing Song Team has grown to over 40 members, with a significant portion being younger individuals, indicating a shift towards a younger demographic in the preservation of this cultural heritage [61][62]. - Su Yijia's commitment to the fishing song tradition is seen as a vital part of the cultural identity of Shantou, with her efforts contributing to the broader narrative of cultural confidence and heritage preservation in the region [47][68].

Core Perspective - The article highlights the significance of Beihai shell carving as a national intangible cultural heritage, emphasizing its historical roots in the Maritime Silk Road and its evolution from traditional craftsmanship to modern artistic expression [1][2]. Group 1: Historical Context - The Maritime Silk Road, starting from the Tang and Song dynasties, facilitated the exchange of exotic treasures and led to the development of the Ming Dynasty's "Babaohuan" technique, merging foreign influences with traditional Chinese craftsmanship [2]. - Beihai shell carving was recognized as a national intangible cultural heritage representative project in 2021, showcasing its cultural importance [2]. Group 2: Craftsmanship and Techniques - The process of creating a shell carving involves multiple steps, including cleaning, polishing, carving, and assembling, with some pieces requiring up to two tons of raw materials and hundreds of different shell types [15]. - The technique of "thin carving" demands precision, with shells being polished to a translucency of 0.1 millimeters, highlighting the skill and endurance of artisans [15]. Group 3: Revival and Innovation - In the 1990s, Beihai shell carving faced a decline, but efforts by artisans like Lin Xiong revived the craft by recalling experienced artisans and exploring new artistic directions [6][19]. - Lin Xiong's approach to using natural shell colors and textures has been described as a revolution in Chinese shell carving, leading to the establishment of a materials warehouse with thousands of shell types [9][11]. Group 4: Education and Modernization - Educational institutions like Guilin University of Electronic Technology and Beihai Vocational School have introduced courses on shell carving, fostering a new generation of artisans and creative professionals [22]. - The integration of traditional patterns into modern life has led to a resurgence of interest in shell carving, with various companies and workshops in Beihai producing both artistic and practical items [26].

Core Viewpoint - The article highlights the significance of traditional Chinese craftsmanship, specifically focusing on the production techniques of four cultural heritage items: Lake brushes, Huizhou ink, Xuan paper, and Duan inkstones, emphasizing their historical importance and contemporary relevance in preserving cultural heritage [4][7][9][17]. Group 1: Lake Brushes - Lake brushes are renowned for their meticulous production process, which includes 12 major steps, with the selection of materials and the crafting of the brush tip being the most critical [6][7]. - The craft of Lake brush making was recognized as a national intangible cultural heritage in 2006, and recent regulations have been established to support its preservation and development [7]. - New generations of artisans are innovating by integrating modern marketing strategies, such as online sales and social media, to attract younger consumers [7][8]. Group 2: Huizhou Ink - Huizhou ink is produced through a complex process that involves multiple steps, including the careful blending of materials and extensive pounding to achieve the desired quality [10][11]. - The Huizhou ink industry has adapted to modern trends by developing cultural products and leveraging e-commerce, generating significant revenue [12]. - The ink's historical significance is underscored by its use in restoring historical artifacts, showcasing its cultural value [12]. Group 3: Xuan Paper - Xuan paper production involves over 100 intricate steps, with a focus on maintaining traditional methods that cannot be easily mechanized [15][16]. - The industry has seen a shift towards e-commerce, with a significant number of businesses operating online, contributing to local economic growth [16]. - The establishment of a dedicated market for Xuan paper aims to enhance its cultural and economic impact, positioning it as a key player in the cultural heritage sector [16]. Group 4: Duan Inkstones - Duan inkstones are celebrated for their unique stone quality and intricate carving techniques, with a rich history dating back to the Tang Dynasty [17][18]. - The industry is experiencing innovation through the combination of traditional craftsmanship with modern design, creating new cultural products [18]. - Local government initiatives are in place to protect the resources needed for inkstone production, ensuring the sustainability of this traditional craft [18].

Core Perspective - The article highlights the significance of Beihai shell carving as a national intangible cultural heritage, showcasing its evolution from traditional craftsmanship to contemporary artistic expressions, while emphasizing its historical connection to the Maritime Silk Road [1][5]. Group 1: Historical Context - The Beihai shell carving tradition dates back to the Tang and Song dynasties, influenced by exotic treasures brought by the Maritime Silk Road, leading to the development of the Ming dynasty's "Babaohuan" technique [1]. - In the 20th century, Beihai shell carvings gained international recognition, with products exported to over 40 countries and regions during the 1970s and 1980s [5]. Group 2: Challenges and Revival - The Beihai shell carving faced a decline in the 1990s due to various factors, risking the loss of this traditional craft [5]. - Lin Xiong, a representative inheritor of the intangible cultural heritage, revitalized the craft by recalling 26 veteran artisans from the original Beihai Arts and Crafts Factory, marking a new exploration path for Beihai shell carving [5][11]. Group 3: Artistic Innovation - Lin Xiong introduced a revolutionary approach by utilizing the natural colors and textures of shells, moving away from artificial dyeing, which was previously common in the craft [7]. - The production process of a shell carving involves multiple intricate steps, with some pieces requiring up to two tons of raw materials and taking several months to complete [9]. Group 4: Education and Modernization - Educational institutions like Guilin University of Electronic Technology and Beihai Vocational School have incorporated shell carving courses, fostering a new generation of artisans and creative professionals [11][14]. - The current landscape in Beihai includes around 20 companies and workshops engaged in shell carving, employing thousands of artisans from various age groups, thus ensuring the craft's sustainability and innovation [17].

Core Viewpoint - The article highlights the growing popularity of intangible cultural heritage (ICH) in Chengdu, particularly during the "May Day" holiday, where various traditional cultural activities attract both locals and tourists [1][3][5]. Group 1: Cultural Activities - Chengdu has become a vibrant hub for traditional cultural experiences, with activities such as sugar painting, Sichuan opera, and lacquer fan making drawing significant crowds [1][5]. - The "Labor Song, Civilized Appointment" event, organized by the Chengdu Spiritual Civilization Construction Office, combines labor spirit and cultural practices through music, markets, and interactive experiences [3][9]. Group 2: Participation and Engagement - Long queues were observed at booths for sugar painting and lacquer fan making, indicating high public interest and engagement in these traditional crafts [5][7]. - The sugar painting artisan, Jiang Qijun, reported a surge in interest, with many apprentices coming from various regions and even foreign countries [5]. Group 3: Evening Cultural Events - The Chengdu International Intangible Cultural Heritage Expo Park hosted lively evening events, including performances of Sichuan opera and a music festival featuring local bands [11][14]. - The park also offered hands-on experiences in traditional crafts, such as bamboo weaving, allowing visitors to create their own souvenirs [16]. Group 4: Visitor Experience - The article notes that visitors are increasingly seeking immersive experiences in traditional culture, with many families participating in educational activities related to Labor Day [9][16]. - The combination of cultural performances, interactive workshops, and food markets aims to create a comprehensive cultural experience for both local residents and tourists [16].