A series of cultural events highlighting the province's rich intangible cultural heritages will be held in Shandong as celebration of China's Cultural and Natural Heritage Day on June 9, according to a news conference convened by the Shandong provincial department of culture on June 4. 

Li Guolin, deputy director of the Shandong provincial department of culture, introduced that the department will organize nine main events during this year's Cultural and Natural Heritage Day celebration, including a province-wide micro video contest and exhibitions and performances on intangible cultural heritage, a farmers' painting exhibition in Juye county of Heze, and photography exhibitions on traditional arts. 

Li added that a series of cultural exchanges will also be organized. 62 opera artists of the province will take part in the weeklong festival showcasing traditional operas held in Tianjin from June 7. 14 intangible cultural inheritors will attend the Great Canal Cultural Belt Exhibition in Jiangsu province. 13 artists will join the celebration in Beijing. 

A total of 438 celebrations and activities will be staged among the province's 17 cities. A number of signature events, such as public classes on intangible cultural heritage, film and photography exhibitions on traditional art, and cultural performances will be held, in a bid to raise public awareness on intangible cultural heritage protection and achieve innovative development of excellent Chinese traditional culture. 

Set by the State Council for the second Saturday in June, the Cultural and Natural Heritage Day marks a significant step in China's cultural development and heritage preservation, and is renewing public interest in traditional Chinese culture -- especially among younger generations. 

The Shandong provincial department of culture convenes a news conference on June 4, introducing the plan for this year's Cultural and Natural Heritage Day. [Photo/sdchina.com] 

Li Guolin, deputy director of the Shandong provincial department of culture, introduces the plan for this year's Cultural and Natural Heritage Day. [Photo/sdchina.com]