The 9th International Festival of Intangible Cultural Heritage will kick off on May 28 at the Chengdu Intangible Cultural Heritage Park in Qingyang District, Chengdu. Centered on the theme “Promoting Cultural Exchange, Revitalizing Heritage Transmission, and Sharing a Better Life,” the festival will showcase the deep integration of intangible heritage with modern living through innovative formats and a global platform.

Chengdu Intangible Cultural Heritage Park

As a flagship event in the Intangible Cultural Heritage field, this year’s festival gathers nearly 600 domestic and international Intangible Cultural Heritage projects, spanning traditional crafts, folk customs, performing arts, and more.

In a fusion of heritage and technology, 16 research institutions and tech firms will unveil 30+ interactive tech installations based on Intangible Cultural Heritage projects such as silk-weaving techniques and Journey to the West folklore. Innovations include the debut of the 24 Solar Terms mobile game, the Oracle Bones Reimagined VR art exhibition, and a digital Taiji Quan cultural experience, demonstrating how tradition fuels modern creativity.

Public participation lies at the heart of the festival. The International Intangible Cultural Heritage Food Week will bring together UNESCO-listed “Cities of Gastronomy” and over 70 Chinese culinary heritage projects, offering a “culinary journey across China without leaving the city.” During the Loong Boat Festival holiday, the Loong boat races, cultural performances, and Intangible Cultural Heritage markets will enliven Chengdu’s streets, with 288 community hubs hosting hands-on heritage experiences.

As the host district, Qingyang will spotlight its Intangible Cultural Heritage legacy through static exhibitions, live demonstrations, and interactive workshops, showcasing its role in preserving tradition while embracing contemporary relevance.