The image shows intangible cultural heritage inheritors performing Beijing shadow puppetry at the CTCM.

Beijing resident Song Wenjia went to the Chinese Traditional Culture Museum (CTCM) at 10 am. With the guidance of a staff member, Song gained a general understanding of the history and characteristics of the traditional folk songs in northern Shaanxi province.

At the museum, folk singers sang while they walked around exhibition stands shaped like yellow earth, cliffs and ravines. Before Song could fully immerse herself, drums sounded, fans opened and the yangko dance was performed again.

"Here, I not only can see and hear intangible cultural heritage, but also experience it interactively. No wonder the exhibition is so popular," Song said.

In addition to folk dance, the CTCM also presents Kunqu Opera, guqin and shadow puppetry, integrating interpretation, display and interactive experiences.

National-level intangible cultural heritage inheritors mesmerized the audience with stunning performances combining unique music and singing styles, elegant designs and exquisite and vivid displays at the scene of the Beijing shadow puppetry.  

Visitors can also try hands-on activities such as traditional Chinese dyeing and weaving and appreciate documentary materials, multimedia animations and installation art during a blue-printfabric-themed exhibition.

Building platforms to enhance influence of ICH

The 2024 Cultural and Natural Heritage Day falls on June 8, and the CTCM’s "Myriad Atmospheres — Chinese Intangible Cultural Heritage Protection Practice Theme Exhibition" was held on June 7. 

The exhibition covers 10 categories, with a total of more than 100 intangible cultural heritage (ICH) projects and over 600 exhibits, presenting the era and style of such heritages through text, pictures, physical scenes and multimedia interactions. 

During the exhibition, 100 national-level ICH inheritors perform live demonstrations onsite, and the audience can participate in interactive experiences to personally feel its beauty.

"ICH projects are diverse, numerous and widespread. Establishing regular exhibition spaces and platforms will help enhance their visibility and influence," Wang said. The CTCM is open to ICH projects at the national, provincial, municipal and county levels, providing platforms for inheritance, display and publicity.

The CTCM is currently studying the construction and service standards of ICH museums and strengthening cooperation with others.

Creating down-to-earth, vibrant and life-oriented cultural space

It presents the "Chinese Skillful Hands" series of social education activities for young people, allowing them to experience the beauty of craftsmanship. The series has held 20 sessions, with over 400,000 online and offline participants.

The museum, together with inheritors, has developed diverse teaching packages so visitors can gain a better understanding of ICH. 

"What is the inheritance lineage like, who are the representative inheritors in history, what are the characteristics of the projects ... At the CTCM, inheritors will teach participants face-to-face, passing on authentic ICH knowledge to the general participants," Wang said.

From exhibitions, interactive experiences, face-to-face communication with inheritors to study tours, the CTCM offers a diverse range of exhibition formats. Since it was established and opened to the public, the museum has focused on the dynamic display of ICH projects, creating a down-to-earth, vibrant and life-oriented cultural space to help people understand, learn about and fall in love with intangible cultural treasures.