Core Viewpoint - The article highlights the exploitation of intangible cultural heritage (ICH) in China, where fraudulent certification practices undermine the authenticity and value of traditional skills and crafts [1][2][3] Group 1: Current Issues - There is a growing trend of online platforms offering "ICH certificates" for a fee, ranging from hundreds to thousands of yuan, which raises concerns about the legitimacy of these certifications [1] - Some businesses are falsely marketing ordinary products as "ICH techniques," leading to consumer deception and a crisis of trust in ICH protection [2] - The root cause of these issues lies in the loss of control over certification rights, with unauthorized agencies creating a "black market" for certifications [2] Group 2: Proposed Solutions - Legal measures should reinforce that only cultural and tourism departments have the authority to certify ICH, with strict penalties for those issuing false certificates [3] - A national unified ICH certification database is recommended to verify certificate numbers, styles, and issuing organizations, along with the use of AI technology for monitoring [3] - Public education is essential to expose the nature of "pay-for-certification" scams and enhance the public's ability to discern authenticity [3]

Core Viewpoint - The article investigates the commercialization of "intangible cultural heritage" (ICH) certification in China, revealing that some online platforms offer expedited certification services for a fee, raising concerns about the legitimacy of these certifications [1][3]. Group 1: Certification Process - China has established strict standards and procedures for recognizing "intangible cultural heritage," which require a corresponding history and qualifications for applicants [1]. - Some online platforms claim that individuals can obtain ICH certification without meeting the necessary conditions, undermining the integrity of the certification process [1][3]. Group 2: Commercialization of Certification - A company offering ICH certification services stated that they could prepare application documents and facilitate the process for a fee, with costs as low as 2,000 yuan for association-certified projects [3]. - The company claims that obtaining certification through associations is quicker and easier compared to government certification, which is more challenging and time-consuming [3]. Group 3: Company Operations - The investigation identified a company named "Zhongyi Cultural Investment Co., Ltd." as a provider of ICH certification, which claims to collaborate with the Ministry of Culture and Tourism [4][5]. - The company asserts that it has its own recognition standards established in 2000 and is authorized to issue certificates featuring the national emblem, a claim that raises questions about the legitimacy of their authority [5][6]. Group 4: Consumer Experience - A journalist posing as a client was able to obtain an ICH "inheritor" certificate by paying 600 yuan, receiving both an electronic version and a physical plaque within three days, highlighting the ease of obtaining such certifications through these services [8].