China to launch second nationwide intangible heritage survey

China will launch its second nationwide survey of intangible cultural heritage during the 15th Five-Year Plan period (2026-30) to update its inventory of traditional cultural practices and strengthen their protection and transmission, a senior cultural official said on Sept 24.

Wang Jianhua, vice-minister of culture and tourism, said the survey will help the country "find out what we have" and establish a national directory of intangible cultural heritage resources.

China currently has more than 100,000 intangible cultural heritage representative items at various administrative levels, Wang said at a news conference held by the State Council Information Office in Beijing.

The country will also continue its intangible cultural heritage documentation program to preserve the skills and knowledge of bearers, while expanding and upgrading national cultural ecology protection zones, he said.

Protection measures will be tailored to different types of intangible cultural heritage according to their characteristics and current conditions, Wang said.

Traditional festivals will receive particular attention, with the government planning to further implement a revitalization program covering major traditional celebrations, including Spring Festival, Lantern Festival, Dragon Boat Festival, Mid-Autumn Festival and Double Ninth Festival.

Wang said people remain at the heart of intangible cultural heritage transmission, and China will strengthen the recognition and management of representative inheritors while supporting them in teaching their skills to the next generation.

The country will also expand a training program for ICH inheritors to strengthen their abilities in cultural interpretation, creative design and business management. Schools will be encouraged to offer introductory and specialized ICH courses and provide more hands-on learning opportunities, helping nurture a new generation of young enthusiasts and potential inheritors.

At the same time, China will seek to make ICH more relevant to contemporary life.

Wang said local governments will be encouraged to establish ICH stations and venues showcasing traditional aesthetics in daily life, creating new spaces for people to learn about and experience traditional practices.

ICH workshops will also receive support to improve their efficiency, strengthen links with resources and make greater use of design, helping traditional skills such as embroidery, tie-dyeing, paper-cutting, wood carving and bamboo weaving generate employment and income for local communities.

The ministry will implement programs to support ICH brands and promote consumption, including seasonal ICH shopping campaigns and food events.

Wang also called for deeper integration of ICH and tourism, with more travel routes and products featuring distinctive intangible cultural heritage.

The aim, he said, is to allow travelers to experience not only the beauty of China's natural landscapes but also the appeal of its intangible cultural heritage and the richness of Chinese culture.