In the heart of Bijie (毕节), a city in Guizhou Province, the transformation of intangible cultural heritage (ICH) is rapidly taking place. From bustling cultural workshops to innovative experiences in schools and tourism, Bijie is proving that preserving ancient traditions can be a powerful tool for modern development. A mix of digital preservation, community engagement, and creative partnerships has led to the revitalization of traditional arts like Miao (苗族) embroidery, Yi (彝族) lacquerware, and the Miao Lusheng dance (苗族芦笙舞), creating a cultural phenomenon that benefits both the local community and the wider world.
The city's success story is reflected in its increasing number of non-heritage workshops, experience spaces, and cultural products. With 77 ICH workshops and 47 experience spaces already established, Bijie is setting a powerful example of how to integrate traditional crafts into modern life. This hands-on approach has attracted both domestic and international tourists eager to witness the creativity and artistry of Bijie's heritage.
Among the standout moments of this transformation was a recent visit by dozens of Asia-Pacific journalists to the Miao Embroidery and Batik Workshop in Huawu Village. Mario Pasca, a reporter from Indonesia National Radio, marveled at the intricate patterns and techniques of Miao embroidery, noting how this ancient skill has retained its charm while adapting to contemporary needs. For local artisan Yang Wenli, who has dedicated her life to this craft, the opportunity to share her skills has not only brought economic benefits to her community but also allowed her to preserve her cultural identity.
Bijie's efforts to preserve intangible cultural heritage are not limited to isolated workshops or exhibitions. By incorporating ICH into local schools, the city is fostering a new generation of cultural custodians. Since 2018, the Miao Lusheng Dance has become a regular part of the curriculum in schools across Bijie, with students learning not only the dance itself but also the history and significance behind it. In Nanyong County (纳雍县), for example, students practice the dance on their school playgrounds, led by teachers and local inheritors. The initiative is already bearing fruit, with younger generations eagerly embracing their cultural roots.
In addition to dance, the city has brought other traditional crafts into the classroom, including Miao embroidery, Yi lacquerware, paper-cutting, and even folk painting. Cultural experts are regularly invited to teach these skills, making the school a key space for the transmission of cultural knowledge. This educational model is now expanding to universities and higher education institutions, where ICH studios have been set up to engage students in hands-on learning experiences.
As the Director of the Bijie Cultural Center, Kuang Rongfeng (况荣峰), explained, this shift is not just about preserving heritage—it's about making it a living, breathing part of daily life. With systemic support from local authorities, such as funding, policy incentives, and legal protections, Bijie has created a dynamic framework for ICH that includes festivals, exhibitions, and community-driven programs. This framework encourages cultural sustainability, creating a model that blends preservation with innovation.
Bijie's ICH programs have expanded beyond education and preservation to become an essential part of the city's economic development. One of the most successful ventures has been integrating ICH with the local tourism industry. Through initiatives like "Non-Heritage + Tourism," Bijie has linked cultural practices with the region's natural beauty and historical landmarks, offering tourists a deeper, more authentic experience.
The "Natural Cool, Bijie Burn" summer tourism brand, launched during the 2024 Yi Torch Festival, is an example of this integration. The festival celebrated Yi culture and attracted over 1.3 million visitors, generating more than 14 billion yuan in revenue. By positioning the Yi Torch Festival as a key cultural tourism event, Bijie has helped boost both its cultural visibility and its economy. The success of the Yi Square Dance performance, which won an award at the National Square Dance Competition, further highlights how ICH can be both an art form and an economic driver.
Bijie is also bringing ICH into popular tourist destinations like Zhi Jin Cave (织金洞), Pingyuan Ancient Town (平远古镇), and She Xiang Ancient Town (奢香古镇), where specialized shopping areas have been set up to sell ICH-based products. These shops promote cultural creativity, offering everything from handmade Miao embroidery to Yi lacquerware. This connection between traditional craftsmanship and modern retail allows tourists to take home a piece of Bijie's culture while supporting local artisans.
Additionally, the city has launched a "Non-Heritage in Communities" volunteer program, encouraging residents, particularly those from poverty alleviation areas, to engage with cultural practices. Through workshops, performances, and exhibitions, these activities are fostering a stronger sense of community cohesion and belonging. Bijie's approach is a model of how to successfully integrate culture into everyday life, not just as an educational tool but as a means of fostering community pride and economic growth.
A Sustainable Future
Bijie's efforts to preserve and promote its intangible cultural heritage are far-reaching, but sustainability remains a key challenge. The city has taken proactive steps to address this by building strong partnerships with local artists, community members, and national cultural institutions. Through the creation of ICH studios and workshops, Bijie has ensured that these traditions will continue to be passed down, even as the world changes around them.
The recent recognition of Bijie's ICH projects, such as the inclusion of Huawu Miao's Xianshan Festival and Yi Ancient Songs on the Guizhou Provincial Intangible Cultural Heritage list, is a testament to the city's ongoing commitment to cultural preservation. With over 150 national, provincial, and municipal heritage projects and 38 local cultural inheritors, Bijie has established itself as a leader in ICH preservation.
Bijie plans to expand its ICH tourism initiatives, with more destinations incorporating cultural performances and products into their offerings. The city also aims to continue developing digital platforms that will make ICH more accessible to people around the world. By embracing both traditional and modern methods, Bijie is ensuring that its rich cultural heritage will thrive for generations to come.
