The Qiang ethnic group is one of the oldest tribes in China and their people boast a rich culture and history. During the May 12th Wenchuan Earthquake in 2008, the cultural heritages of the Qiang people were severely damaged. After more than a year, the Qiang intangible cultural heritages are getting the protection they need.

China has spent seven-billion yuan, or about a billion US Dollars, to save cultural relics in the quake hit areas and support renovation projects. Six percent of that total has been used to protect the intangible cultural heritage items. The construction of folk museums and workshops are underway in Aba Tibet and Qiang Autonomous Prefecture, Mianyang City, Beichuan Qiang Autonomous County, Wenchuan County, and Maoxian County.

Zheng Xiaoxing, head of culture dept., Sichuan Provincial Government, said, "Some of the representative cultural products of the Qiang nationality, such as embroidery, are promoted in the market. And so far we have received many orders."

According to the development plans made by the local governments, the restoration work will take another two years to complete, so the culture departments are calling for more support from society.

Editor: Feng Hui