By outdoor-nature-child.com In Turpan, Xinjiang, the captivating natural scenery and rich cultural heritage create a remarkable atmosphere that draws in visitors from all over.
In August, a law enforcement inspection team from the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress visited Xinjiang to assess the enforcement of the Intangible Cultural Heritage Law. Upon their arrival in Turpan, they were enamored by the flowing qanat system, an engineering marvel that reflects the ingenuity of various ethnic communities. The qanat serves not only as a water management system but also as a cultural artifact integral to local intangible heritage practices. In 2014, the craft of qanat excavation was officially recognized as a national intangible cultural heritage representative item.
When I asked one of the members of the inspection team to clarify the idea of “intangible” in intangible cultural heritage, they offered a compelling perspective. They noted that intangible heritage represents a holistic cultural concept that encompasses a broader cultural ecology. The “intangible” does not suggest a disconnection from the tangible; rather, most intangible heritage forms are rooted in material expressions that convey their spirit, values, and significance through physical mediums.
As the inspection team explored various intangible cultural heritage projects, such as the epic “Manas,” the artistry of Uyghur bark paper, Kirghiz embroidery, and Russian bayan art, they engaged in in-depth conversations with leading artisans. These discussions yielded valuable insights and suggestions for improving the implementation of the Intangible Cultural Heritage Law.
From these exchanges, a clear understanding emerged: to fully appreciate intangible heritage, we must enhance the material recognition of this cultural legacy, ensuring that both tangible and intangible aspects are not overlooked. Viewing intangible heritage with a focus on materiality involves protecting not just the traditions but also the tools, artifacts, and methods associated with their transmission and evolution. The Intangible Cultural Heritage Law, enacted in 2011, defines intangible cultural heritage as various traditional cultural expressions that are passed down through generations, along with the relevant tangible objects and sites. The preservation and continuation of intangible heritage are inherently tied to its material forms. Many folk arts and techniques coexist with specific materials, creating a symbiotic relationship in practical protection efforts. For instance, the conservation and restoration of qanats are vital to ensuring the art of excavation is passed down. As one villager aptly stated, “Wherever the qanat is repaired, that place becomes an oasis, and where there’s water, there’s cultural heritage.”
Emphasizing a material perspective on intangible heritage also highlights the need to cultivate representative inheritors of these traditions. The preservation of intangible heritage heavily relies on people. The inspection revealed that many techniques and processes lack formal documentation, instead depending on oral transmission and long-term mentorship between masters and apprentices. By expanding the network of inheritors and enhancing their skills, we can ensure that intangible heritage continues to thrive and remain relevant in contemporary society.
One notable example is the guqin, an ancient Chinese string instrument that has become a cultural symbol worldwide. It faced significant decline in the 1960s, with fewer than 200 players globally. However, since being added to the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage List in 2003, guqin art has seen a resurgence. Through performances and workshops, representatives have fostered a growing community, and today, there are over a million guqin students.
Integrating the protection, transmission, and development of intangible heritage is also essential. In Kashgar’s Xiangfei Garden, the inspection team observed tourism programs that incorporated elements of intangible heritage, such as naan-making and Uyghur pottery techniques. This approach successfully engaged visitors in interactive experiences. Regions are increasingly exploring blended development models, like “Intangible Heritage + Cultural Creativity” and “Intangible Heritage + Tourism,” which broaden the avenues for heritage transmission and empower the public as active participants in its protection.
Since the adoption of the Intangible Cultural Heritage Law, a comprehensive protection system has gradually developed, ensuring that relevant departments fulfill their legal responsibilities and that supportive regulatory frameworks are in place. Some regions are effectively harmonizing the protection of intangible heritage with its related material contexts and cultural environments, creating cultural ecological protection zones. Revising the Intangible Cultural Heritage Law has now been prioritized in the legislative agenda of the 14th National People’s Congress. With collaborative efforts from all sides, there is hope for further enhancement and refinement of the legal framework supporting intangible heritage, better safeguarding the rich treasures of China’s extraordinary traditional culture.