On September 6, the Gansu chapter of "China in Intangible Cultural Heritage" premiered on CCTV-1, shining a spotlight on this northwestern province’s living traditions. Co-produced by China Media Group and the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of China, the series travels across ancient Silk Road oases and mountain villages to uncover crafts, rhythms and rituals that have defined Gansu for centuries.
Silk Road Echoes: Weaving Past and Present
Viewers are invited into bustling workshops where master weavers transform silk threads into vibrant tapestries. By weaving together historical footage with hands-on demonstrations, the program highlights how these fabrics continue to influence modern designers and entrepreneurs.
Desert Lanterns and Lotus Bowls
The show explores iconic folk festivals, from desert lantern ceremonies that guide nomads under starlit skies to the art of crafting delicate lotus bowls from everyday clay. Each segment blends storytelling with interviews, offering personal tales from artisans who balance age-old methods with sustainable innovations.
Connecting Audiences and Artisans
With immersive cinematography and data-driven insights—like the rise in cultural tourism in Gansu by 15% last year—the program resonates with travelers, digital nomads and culture enthusiasts alike. It underscores the economic impact of heritage preservation as local communities see new opportunities in crafts, gastronomy and eco-tourism.
A Global Stage for Local Voices
By mapping Gansu’s intangible assets onto global conversations about sustainability and creative economies, China in Intangible Cultural Heritage offers thought leaders and young professionals a fresh perspective on how local traditions can spark innovation in the 21st century.
As the series continues, audiences across G20 nations can tune in to CCTV-1 or catch highlights online, embarking on a cultural journey that’s as rich and varied as Gansu itself.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
