What is intangible cultural heritage?

According to the definition in the Convention for the Protection of Intangible Cultural Heritage adopted by UNESCO, "intangible cultural heritage" refers to various customs, performances, forms of expression, knowledge systems and skills as well as related tools, articles, handicrafts and cultural sites, which are regarded as their cultural heritage by various groups, groups and sometimes even individuals. With the changes of their environment, relationship with nature and historical conditions, various groups and groups continue to innovate this intangible cultural heritage handed down from generation to generation, and at the same time give them a sense of identity and history, thus promoting cultural diversity and human creativity.

Intangible cultural heritage includes: oral tradition and expression; Performing arts; Social customs, etiquette and festivals; Knowledge and practice about nature and the universe; Traditional handicraft skills. Intangible cultural heritage is passed down orally or by actions of human beings, which has national historical accumulation and extensive and excellent representative folk cultural heritage. It was once known as the "living fossil" of history and culture and "the back of national memory".

The biggest feature of intangible cultural heritage is that it is not divorced from the special way of life and production of the nation, and it is a vivid embodiment of national personality and aesthetic habits. It exists on the basis of human beings, with sound, images and skills as the means of expression and word-of-mouth as the cultural chain. It is the most fragile part of "living" culture and its tradition. Therefore, for the inheritance process of intangible cultural heritage, people are particularly important.

UNESCO believes that intangible cultural heritage is an important factor in determining cultural identity, stimulating creativity and protecting cultural diversity, and plays a vital role in mutual tolerance and coordination between different cultures. Therefore, a resolution was passed in 1998 to establish an intangible cultural heritage selection. There are three basic conditions for applying for this project, one is artistic value, the other is endangered, and the third is a complete protection plan. Only one country is allowed to declare once every two years. China's Kunqu Opera, Guqin, Mongolian Long Tune and Twelve Muqams of Uygur have been included in the world intangible cultural heritage.