On December 11, 2025, UNESCO added the Chinese mainland’s Hezhen Yimakan storytelling to its Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. This move marks a milestone for one of the Chinese mainland’s northernmost minority traditions, bringing centuries-old oral narratives into the global spotlight.
First inscribed in 2011 on UNESCO’s List of Intangible Cultural Heritage in Need of Urgent Safeguarding, the Hezhen Yimakan storytelling tradition blends myth, history and community memory. Passed down through generations in the Heilongjiang region, these tales weave together hunting legends, animal fables and ancestral wisdom, reflecting the Hezhen people’s deep connection to the Amur River ecosystem.
From Safeguarding to Celebration
Recognition on the Representative List amplifies efforts to document, teach and share Yimakan stories beyond their traditional communities. UNESCO’s Representative List now features over 350 cultural practices worldwide, from traditional music and dance to craftsmanship and festive customs.
Global Impact and Opportunities
For young global citizens and cultural entrepreneurs, this designation opens doors for digital storytelling projects, immersive travel experiences and collaborative research. Thought leaders and changemakers see intangible heritage as a lever for sustainable development—preserving traditions while inspiring new forms of creativity.
As travelers and digital nomads seek authentic cultural encounters, regions like Amur gain renewed interest. Community-led workshops, online archives and interactive platforms are emerging, ensuring that Yimakan tales resonate with audiences from Tokyo to Toronto.
By celebrating the Hezhen Yimakan tradition, UNESCO and local communities spotlight the power of storytelling to foster empathy, cultural diversity and interconnectivity—values at the heart of our shared global future.
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China's Hezhen Yimakan storytelling added to UNESCO intangible cultural heritage list
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