A wood carving inheritor demonstrates his skill in the craft for students. [Photo/Xinhua]

More than 20 universities and colleges this summer will train traditional craftsmen to sharpen their skills in intangible Chinese culture and their sense of innovation.

The research and training project for inheritors of intangible cultural heritage by the Chinese Ministry of Culture began Tuesday. Xiang Zhaolun, ministry deputy, spoke at the project’s coordination meeting at Shanghai University.

The project aims to improve the practice level and executive ability of the contemporary inheritors and promote the integration of intangible cultural heritage and modern life.

The Ministry of Culture chose the Academy of Arts & Design of Tsinghua University, Central Academy of Fine Art and more than 20 universities and colleges for the pilot project. These sites will offer training courses on traditional craftsmanship this summer.

Cultural heritage is the cultural mark of a nationality, while intangible cultural heritage acts as the lifestyle and symbol of that nationality. Intangible cultural heritage reflects the lives of the common people. Only in this way can it be effectively protected and expand its influence, according to Xiang.