Intangible Cultural Heritage Goes Global: The Global Expression and Contemporary Chapter of Neijiang Culture

Glazed Color Carving Blue and White Plate - Sparrow and Crane

When the news of Longchang Earthenware's debut at the Louvre in Paris broke, people witnessed not only the cross-border journey of an exquisite craft but also the clear footsteps of Neijiang's intangible cultural heritage (ICH) practitioners stepping onto the world stage. From the interwoven ramie cloth to vivid puppetry, from the sweet and charming sugar art to the dynamic fire dragon dance, more and more ICH items carrying Neijiang's memories are showcasing their unique charm on the international stage.

Master cup with ancient woodburn carving technique

Neijiang's journey of taking ICH global is rooted in profound cultural accumulation and scientific protection and inheritance. As a city rich in ICH resources, Neijiang has built a comprehensive ICH list system by 2024, including 1 national-level, 28 provincial-level, 113 municipal-level, and 179 county-level items. This multi-level cultural treasure trove is the result of unwavering commitment to inheritance. It allows Han'an Ramie Cloth Embroidery to preserve the essence of millennium-old processes such as hemp beating, spinning, and weaving, and ensures the craftsmanship of Zizhong Puppetry is passed down through generations, providing high-quality content carriers for cross-cultural communication.

Innovation is the crucial key for Neijiang's ICH to unlock the door to the world. Han'an Ramie Cloth Embroidery integrates the essence of ramie cloth and Shu Embroidery, developing over 1,000 types of embroidered works. With its unique texture and collection value, it is hailed as the emerging"Fifth Major Embroidery of China" in the industry. Inheritors of sugar art have broken regional boundaries through new approaches such as local brand promotion and customized services, aiming to expand to the whole country and even the world. Longchang Blue Stone Craftsmanship has collaborated with universities to integrate traditional elements into modern home furnishings, achieving the unification of cultural and practical values. This wisdom of"upholding traditions while embracing innovation" enables Neijiang's ICH to retain its cultural genes while gaining the ability to engage in global dialogue.

From domestic stages to international horizons, the communication map of Neijiang's ICH continues to expand. Zizhong Puppetry has long left its footprints in more than 20 countries including New Zealand and Russia, fostering cross-cultural emotional resonance through flexible silk threads. Han'an Ramie Cloth Embroidery, Longchang Ramie Cloth, and other items have made their mark at various exhibitions, becoming cultural calling cards for foreign exchanges. Coverage by overseas Chinese media has brought Neijiang's ICH wider international attention, allowing foreign audiences to experience the craftsmanship and Eastern wisdom embodied in these traditions.

The appearance of Longchang Earthenware at the Louvre is a microcosm of the development of Neijiang's ICH. Today, more and more of Neijiang's ICH items are going global. These cultural treasures carrying the city's memories are bound to become important bridges for international cultural exchanges, enabling ancient crafts to generate economic benefits while further expanding their international influence.

翻译：四川大学 Aeel

Translation: Sichuan University Aeel

审核：西安翻译学院刘洪明

Reviewed by: Liu Hongming from Xi'an Translation Institute