Core Points - The "Xinjiang is a Good Place" intangible cultural heritage (ICH) themed exhibition event was grandly opened in Hotan, Xinjiang, showcasing 435 ICH representative projects and 383 ICH inheritors from various regions, promoting cultural exchange among different ethnic groups [1] - The event featured performances such as the award-winning segment from the 17th Wenhua Award drama "New Liu Sanjie," which received enthusiastic applause, highlighting the cultural richness of Guangxi [1] - Guangxi's unique ICH projects, including traditional crafts and performances, attracted significant visitor engagement, showcasing the region's cultural charm [1] Industry Insights - The Guangxi Daily ICH dissemination team participated in the event, showcasing the results of the "Guangxi ICH Inheritance Plan" and the "Love ICH, Discover Beautiful China" series, which received industry recognition [2] - The event marked the launch of the "Love ICH, Discover Beautiful China" multimedia dissemination activity in Xinjiang, following similar initiatives in other provinces, aimed at enhancing cultural exchange and appreciation of ICH [2] - The initiative focuses on exploring the beauty of ICH in Xinjiang through interviews and presentations, promoting mutual learning and exchange between Guangxi and Xinjiang [2]

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 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].