Nanming advances cultural preservation

As the cultural heartland of the provincial capital, Guiyang's Nanming district is home to 57 forms of intangible cultural heritage (ICH), deeply rooted in its rich history.

In recent years, the district has implemented the principles of "prioritizing protection, rescue first, rational utilization, and sustainable development" to safeguard its intangible heritage.

A comprehensive three-tiered ICH listing and protection system has been established, with policies supporting preservation, digital technologies enhancing traditional craftsmanship, and cultural-tourism integration creating new consumption opportunities. These efforts are bringing forgotten folk treasures back to life, transforming them from traditional techniques into part of modern life.

Nanming conducts regular surveys and registrations of top ICH items and inheritors, holding at least one large-scale ICH assessment annually. Through a rigorous process – compiling documentation, expert evaluations, departmental reviews, and government approval – valuable cultural items are identified and inheritors officially recognized with titles and certificates.

Enterprises involved in ICH are also encouraged to self-fund project applications, helping sustain these cultural legacies.

To further promote preservation, Nanming has collected and archived materials on key ICH projects through video, audio, photography, and text. Six ICH projects at the municipal level or higher have already undergone digital documentation. Additionally, the district has supported the launch of a video interview series with top inheritors, capturing oral histories to deepen understanding and enhance the visibility of intangible cultural resources.