Chengdu Intangible Cultural Heritage Festival Begins

On May 28, the 9th Chengdu International Intangible Cultural Heritage Festival opened in Chengdu, Sichuan Province. This event was co-hosted by the Sichuan Provincial Government, the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, UNESCO, and the National Commission of UNESCO in China. Notable attendees at the opening ceremony included Deputy Minister of Culture and Tourism and Director of the National Cultural Heritage Administration Rao Quan, Sichuan Provincial Governor Shi Xiaolin, Deputy Governor Hu Yun, Chengdu Mayor Wang Fengchao, and President of the China Intangible Cultural Heritage Protection Association Wang Xiaofeng.

This year's festival revolves around the theme "Enhancing Communication and Exchange, Stimulating the Vitality of Inheritance, Sharing a Beautiful Life." A new "Guest Country + Guest City" festival format was introduced. The festival features three main sections: "Dynamic Intangible Heritage: The Tianfu Parade," "Colorful Intangible Heritage: Dialogue on Inheritance," and "Charming Intangible Heritage: International Exhibition." It also includes three special segments: the "Creative Life" International Intangible Heritage Brand IP Licensing Market, the "Beautiful Life" International Intangible Heritage Food Week, and the "Healthy Life" Traditional Medicine Promotion Week.

The festival showcases over 600 intangible heritage projects from more than 60 countries and regions, inviting over 400 domestic representative inheritors to share their performances and sales. It emphasizes the integration of intangible cultural heritage into modern life, highlighting the concept of "The People’s Intangible Heritage, Shared by the People." This year’s festival beautifully demonstrates China’s systematic approach to protecting its intangible heritage, the dynamic force of youth in inheritance, and vivid practices that support economic and social development.

The festival will run until June 3. In addition, Chengdu will host a series of cultural activities themed around the Dragon Boat Festival, including dragon boat races, community cultural performances, and demonstrations of traditional crafts, offering a rich feast of intangible cultural heritage for both citizens and visitors.