A visitor experiences hand-woven handicrafts in Manpu town, Yinchuan, Ningxia. [Photo/IC]

Ningxia has seen a boom in cultural tourism powered by intangible cultural heritage (ICH) this summer. Traditional crafts such as paper-cutting, embroidery, and pottery have emerged as major attractions, igniting a wave of cultural consumption.

Nearly a thousand children have been immersed in over 10 ICH experiences, such as rubbing and paper-cutting, during the summer vacation alone, bringing history to life during summer break at the scenic area of Helan Mountain Rock Art.

Since being inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List, the Western Xia Imperial Tombs have seen ticket bookings jump 280 percent year-on-year, benefiting surrounding businesses.

Vending machines in Manpu town, at the foot of Helan Mountain, now offer trendy souvenirs such as paper-cut lanterns and Helan inkstone blind boxes. An ICH-themed bar also offers signature cocktails inspired by a local folk song, selling over 200 cups daily. Meanwhile, an ICH paper-cutting studio blending traditional techniques with modern design continues to draw crowds.

This summer's ICH craze is all about historical preservation and the integration of culture and tourism. Ningxia plans to continue improving its "ICH + tourism + education + rural vitalization" chain, hoping to balance cultural preservation with economic development.