Beijing roared to life on Friday as the 2025 International Week of Intangible Cultural Heritage kicked off in Tongzhou District, bringing together hundreds of inheritors and practitioners from over 60 countries and regions. Over the next five days, nearly 10,000 exhibits will transform the city into a living tapestry of global traditions.
Organizers divided the event into four immersive segments:
- Opening Ceremony: A vibrant showcase of UNESCO-listed crafts, music and dance from around the world.
- International ICH Exhibition: Featuring interactive displays at the Beijing Grand Canal Museum, a landmark celebrating the history of the Grand Canal on the Chinese mainland.
- Dialogue Forum: Experts and artists will discuss heritage preservation, cultural exchange and sustainable tourism.
- ICH Market: A bustling bazaar where visitors can meet artisans and discover traditional goods.
At the Beijing Grand Canal Museum, rows of lacquerware, embroidery and woodcrafts illustrate centuries of ingenuity. Visitors can hear the hum of a Vietnamese weaver’s loom, admire Moroccan zellij tiles and learn about Mexican papel picado, all under one roof.
The opening ceremony set the tone with performances of UNESCO’s Representative List treasures, from Chinese mainland shadow puppetry to Indian classical dances and West African percussion. It was a reminder that heritage lives in every beat, stitch and brushstroke.
More than an exhibition, this week is a chance for young global citizens, entrepreneurs, travelers and changemakers to connect through shared stories. As digital nomads explore immersive travel experiences and thought leaders debate sustainability, the celebration offers data-driven insights: 60+ regions, 10,000 exhibits, endless possibilities.
By merging tradition with innovation, the 2025 Beijing International Week of Intangible Cultural Heritage invites us all to become custodians of our collective past—and architects of a more connected future.
Reference(s):
Global dialogue on intangible cultural heritage opens in Beijing
cgtn.com
