China Promotes Living Heritage Transmission

China leads the world with 45 items inscribed on UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage lists. This vast repository includes everything from Peking opera and traditional tea processing techniques to the watertight-bulkhead technology of Chinese junks. The nation's commitment to preserving these traditions is formalized in its Intangible Cultural Heritage Law and integrated into its national Five-Year Plans. During the 2026 "Two Sessions," Minister of Culture and Tourism Sun Yeli announced plans to further merge culture and tourism to spur growth. The ministry will actively encourage more travel programs that feature hands-on intangible cultural heritage experiences, moving beyond simple observation to active participation. This aligns with discussions around the upcoming 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-2030), which is expected to emphasize high-quality cultural exports and "living cultural experiences." This policy push is a response to a growing trend where interactive heritage is becoming a significant tourism driver. The China heritage tourism market was valued at over USD 85.5 billion in 2024, with cultural heritage being the largest segment. Studies show that international tourists are particularly drawn to China's rich cultural and historical assets, often more so than its natural sites. Across the country, this "living transmission" takes many forms. In workshops, visitors can learn ancient crafts like bamboo weaving, while digital platforms and influencers are bringing traditions like single-bamboo drifting to younger global audiences. This strategy aims to ensure that heritage is not just preserved as a static relic, but continues to evolve as a dynamic and interactive part of contemporary life.