China’s Liaoning Province Boldly Merges Culture and Tourism, Showcasing Intangible Heritage to the World

Image generated with Ai

Liaoning Province is actively blending its rich cultural heritage with tourism to elevate the quality of its offerings. The “Intangible Cultural Heritage + Tourism” model has emerged as a powerful catalyst for revitalizing both cultural and tourism sectors across the region.

Creating Platforms and Capturing Attention

Liaoning’s diverse blend of ethnic traditions has cultivated a vibrant intangible cultural heritage (ICH) scene. Popular sites like the Shenyang Imperial Palace, Beiling Park, and the Hushan Great Wall come alive during holidays, hosting over 400 ICH events, including folk performances, exhibitions, and cultural showcases. These events have drawn large crowds, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the unique charm of ICH.

At the Zhaoling Mausoleum in Shenyang, a recent cultural event captivated locals and tourists alike with ICH performances, traditional Shenyang cuisine, and one-of-a-kind cultural souvenirs. This year, Liaoning has amplified its ICH presence through collaborative exhibitions in multiple cities, spotlighting 35 different ICH projects and fostering a vibrant cultural environment.

Enhancing Value and Preserving Heritage

Tourism has expanded the reach of ICH, creating new opportunities for preservation and promotion. Venues like the Shenyang Imperial Palace and Liaoning Provincial Museum frequently feature ICH exhibits and performances, driving public interest in traditional crafts and cultural products.

As Liaoning’s tourism sector continues to grow, so does the visibility of its ICH initiatives. The younger generation is instrumental in sustaining these traditions, giving ICH a renewed sense of vitality. “Tourism gives ICH a practical platform, enhancing its relevance and vibrancy,” remarks Gong Changping, Director of the Resource Development Division at Liaoning’s Provincial Department of Culture and Tourism.

Showcasing ICH to the Public and the World

Liaoning has launched educational programs and ICH exhibitions in universities, tourist destinations, and shopping centers, drawing tens of thousands of attendees. Additionally, the province has showcased its ICH abroad, presenting traditional crafts such as jade and amber carving, shadow puppetry, and Liaoning cuisine in countries like Russia and Belarus, where they have been warmly received.

Committed to further integrating ICH with tourism, Liaoning is positioning itself as a leader in cultural tourism, contributing significantly to the province’s revitalization efforts.