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Intangible cultural heritage setting new trends in China
By Zheng Na
China boasts rich resources of intangible cultural heritage. So far, the country has listed 1,557 items as national-level intangible cultural heritage. In particular, 43 of them are on the intangible cultural heritage list of the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), making China the most enlisted country in the world.
With an aim to systematically conserve and inherit cultural heritage items, creatively translate them into economic profits and achieve innovative development in the specific field, China today is integrating intangible cultural heritage with cultural products, movies and TV dramas, short videos and new technologies, thus making it a part of the modern lifestyle and bringing it to a new phase of development.
Thanks to the emergence of “China-Chic,” or the rise of China’s native fashion trends over the recent years, products themed with intangible cultural heritage are gaining higher and higher popularity among young people.
For instance, makeup products that come in packages manufactured with the traditional silver forging techniques of the Miao ethnic group have become a hit among both Chinese and foreign consumers; sportswear with traditional Chinese embroideries are sought after by young people; mooncakes and lipsticks launched by the Palace Museum have also become sensational among young Chinese.
According to statistics, there were 32,853 stores related to intangible cultural heritage on the leading Chinese e-commerce platform Taobao last year, up 9.5 percent from 2020, and the transaction volume of intangible cultural heritage-related products increased by 11.6 percent from 2020 on this online marketplace.
Besides, the customer base of cultural heritage-related products has hit 100 million in China, which primarily consists of those born in the 1990s and 2000s.
Kunqu Opera, one of the oldest extant forms of Chinese opera, guqin, a plucked seven-string Chinese musical instrument, as well as other traditional Chinese art forms are also groovy today in China.
In Yushe Entertainment Space at Langyuan Vintage in Beijing, a complex that’s home to bookshops, chic restaurants, and coffee shops that are popular among the young generations, Kunqu Opera-related activities are creating a buzz, and there are even online “battle” games of Kunqu Opera.
Over the recent years, intangible cultural heritage has remained a hot topic in the show business. In particular, documentaries, variety shows, as well as TV dramas and films have made remarkable contributions to the popularization and promotion of intangible cultural heritage, igniting people’s passion to learn and experience intangible cultural heritage items. Among the big names, there are National Treasure, Marvelous Woman, The Story of Minglan, Nirvana In Fire and A Dream of Splendor.
New technologies and media also have significantly contributed to the widespread dissemination of intangible cultural heritage.
The number of short video users in China exceeded 1 billion as of December 2022, accounting for 94.8 percent of all internet users, said an audio-visual industry report released this year.
Since 2019, short videos themed with intangible cultural heritage items such as embroidery, paper cutting, dyeing, shadow play and bamboo weaving have drawn huge clout, said Yang Chenghu, professor with the School of Art and Communication, Beijing Normal University.
The emergence of short video platforms gives inheritors of intangible cultural heritage an opportunity to demonstrate their skills and also a channel to sell related products.
In 2022, videos related to national-level intangible cultural heritage garnered over 372.6 billion views and received 9.4 billion likes on Douyin, the Chinese version of TikTok. About 1,617 shows were livestreamed by inheritors of intangible cultural heritage each day on the platform on average last year. Moreover, 427 percent more inheritors of intangible cultural heritage received streamer awards.
Livestreaming now serves as a channel from which people learn about the history and stories of intangible cultural heritage. It not only expands the influence of intangible cultural heritage, but also helps inheritors gain more income, which further stimulates their passion for creation and strengthens their determination to pass on traditions.
The arrival of the “metaverse era” is making the inheritance of intangible cultural heritage more digital and tech-ish.
Digital collectibles have become a hot trend in the digitalization of intangible cultural heritage since 2021. According to a report, approximately 4.56 million non-fungible tokens related to intangible cultural heritage were sold in China in 2021, with a total value of more than 150 million yuan ($20 million). Notably, China chic digital collectibles related to intangible cultural heritage were always sold out in seconds after they were launched, which proves the enthusiasm of young generations for intangible cultural heritage-themed digital products.
Experts believe that big data-assisted collection, storage and utilization of information would lead to more efficient spreading of intangible cultural heritage, optimize the channels of the inheritance of intangible cultural heritage, and merge traditional resources and modern technologies, thus creating new opportunities and means to pass on intangible cultural heritage.
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EID-EL-KABIR: BELLO BABAYO BELLO COMMENDS TINUBU, SHETTIMA, GOMBE GOVERNOR AS HE FELICITATES WITH MUSLIMS NATIONWIDE
The Executive Director, Networks, Niger Delta Power Holding Company Limited (NDPHC), Engr. Bello Babayo Bello, FNSE, has extended warm felicitations to Muslim faithful across Nigeria, particularly the people of Gombe State, on the occasion of the 2026 Eid-el-Kabir celebration, urging citizens to continue promoting peace, unity, love, and national development.
In a goodwill message released to journalists on the occasion of the Islamic festival, Engr. Bello described Eid-el-Kabir as a sacred celebration that reflects the virtues of sacrifice, obedience, faith, compassion, and gratitude to Almighty Allah as demonstrated by Prophet Ibrahim (AS).
He called on Muslims to use the spiritual significance of the season to strengthen the bonds of brotherhood, support one another, and continue praying for the peace, stability, and prosperity of Nigeria.
Engr. Bello also commended the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for his commitment to national development, economic reforms, infrastructural advancement, and efforts aimed at strengthening unity and progress across the country.
According to him, the administration of President Tinubu has continued to demonstrate determination in laying foundations for long-term growth and national transformation through bold policies and strategic governance initiatives.
The NDPHC Executive Director equally praised Vice President Kashim Shettima, GCON, for his loyalty, dedication, and support toward the actualization of the Renewed Hope Agenda of the Federal Government.
He noted that the Vice President has continued to play a vital role in promoting stability, inclusion, and effective coordination within government.
Engr. Bello further applauded the Governor of Gombe State, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, CON, for what he described as purposeful leadership and remarkable strides in infrastructural development, healthcare, education, youth empowerment, and peaceful coexistence in the state.
He said the governor’s developmental policies and inclusive style of governance have continued to attract admiration and confidence from the people of Gombe State and beyond.
“Eid-el-Kabir remains a season of reflection, gratitude, sacrifice, and devotion to Almighty Allah. It is also a period that reminds us of the importance of unity, compassion, tolerance, and service to humanity. As we celebrate, we must continue to pray for our leaders and for the continued peace, progress, and prosperity of our dear nation,” he stated.
Engr. Bello urged Muslim faithful to extend love and kindness to the less privileged, widows, orphans, and vulnerable members of society during the Sallah festivities, stressing that charity and generosity are central teachings of Islam.
He also commended the people of Gombe State for sustaining the culture of peaceful coexistence, harmony, and mutual respect among diverse communities.
The engineering professional and public administrator expressed optimism that Nigeria would continue to witness greater development, unity, and economic advancement under the leadership of President Tinubu.
He prayed for Allah’s continued guidance, wisdom, protection, and blessings upon the President, Vice President, Governor Inuwa Yahaya, and all leaders across the country.
Engr. Bello finally wished Muslim faithful in Gombe State and across Nigeria a peaceful, joyous, and spiritually fulfilling Eid-el-Kabir celebration.
News
Dogara Celebrates Eid El-Adha, Urges Nigerians to Embrace Unity, Sacrifice, and Compassion
Rt. Hon. Yakubu Dogara, former Speaker of the House of Representatives and Chairman of the Board of National Credit Guarantee Company Limited (NCGC), has extended heartfelt felicitations to Muslims across Nigeria and around the world on the occasion of Eid El-Adha.
In his Eid message, Dogara described the festival as one of the most profound moments in the Islamic faith — a sacred season that embodies the enduring virtues of sacrifice, obedience, faith, and total devotion to God, as demonstrated by Prophet Ibrahim (AS). He noted that beyond its spiritual significance, Eid El-Adha serves as a powerful reminder of the values of compassion, generosity, and love for humanity.
According to him, the celebration offers an opportunity for reflection and renewal, urging Nigerians to recommit themselves to the ideals of unity, peace, and mutual understanding. He observed that the true essence of Eid lies not merely in celebration, but in the willingness to serve others selflessly and uplift the less privileged.
“Eid El-Adha reminds us that greatness is found in sacrifice, service, and compassion for one another. It is a season that calls us to strengthen the bonds of brotherhood, extend kindness to those in need, and renew hope for a better and more united nation,” Dogara stated.
The former Speaker stressed that the lessons of Eid should transcend religious and ethnic boundaries, especially at a time when Nigeria needs collective commitment to peace, justice, and national cohesion. He called on citizens to rise above division and work together in the spirit of patriotism and shared destiny.
“As we celebrate this sacred festival, may the spirit of sacrifice inspire us to build bridges of understanding, promote harmony across our communities, and work collectively for a more peaceful, just, and prosperous Nigeria,” he added.
Dogara further prayed that the blessings of Eid El-Adha would bring joy to families, healing to communities, and progress to the nation. He encouraged the faithful to use the occasion as a time for spiritual renewal, deeper devotion to God, stronger family ties, and renewed commitment to the common good.
“As families gather in prayer and celebration, may this Eid remind us of our shared humanity and our collective responsibility to serve with humility, love, and sincerity. May the Almighty accept our prayers and sacrifices, bless our homes with peace and happiness, and guide our nation toward greater unity and prosperity,” he concluded.
Dogara wished all Muslim faithful a peaceful and joyous Eid El-Adha celebration filled with divine blessings, love, hope, and renewed faith in the future of Nigeria.
News
Ukhomunyio Community Seeks Edo Government Intervention Over Insecurity
A group of concerned stakeholders in Ukhomunyio Community, Okpella, Edo State, has called on the Edo State Government and security agencies to strengthen security presence in the area following recent security concerns and incidents of violence.
In a statement jointly signed by community stakeholders, the group said that the once-peaceful Ukhomunyio Community had in recent weeks experienced growing tension and insecurity.
The statement was jointly signed by Sam S. O. Afemikhe, Roland Ediawe, Dr Henry Idogun, Kasimu Sunday, Mark Adogah, Friday Ododeh, Omoreige Usman, Dr Victor Balogun, and Prince Haruna Ahmed.
The stakeholders urged the government to deploy more security personnel to the community and surrounding areas to help maintain peace and prevent further breakdown of law and order.
“We therefore call on the Edo State Government, security agencies, and all relevant authorities to immediately intervene by strengthening security presence within Ukhomunyio Community and surrounding areas,” the statement said.
They also called for a thorough investigation into recent incidents of violence and disturbances linked to the annual Olimi Festival.
According to the statement, the community recently recorded tragic incidents involving residents of Kalaba and Imioko villages, while some persons were reportedly abducted during the attacks and later reunited with their families.
The group described the incidents as unfortunate and contrary to the community’s peaceful traditions.
“We strongly condemn these acts, which are completely alien to the long-standing peaceful tradition of our community,” the statement added.
The stakeholders further expressed concern over violence that erupted during the recent Olimi Festival, saying some individuals allegedly used firearms during the celebration.
They said the violence resulted in casualties and injuries, with some affected persons currently receiving medical treatment.
“The Olimi Festival has historically been a symbol of unity, peace, celebration, and cultural heritage among the people of Ukhomunyio and Okpella in general,” the group stated.
According to the statement, the festival had historically symbolised unity, peace, and cultural heritage among the people of Ukhomunyio and the wider Okpella community.
The group also appealed to authorities to ensure that all investigations and security operations are carried out lawfully and fairly to avoid escalating tensions within the community.
Beyond strengthening security, the stakeholders called on authorities to prevent further violence and restore peace and confidence within the community.
They warned that continued insecurity could affect economic and social activities in the area, including operations linked to major industries.
As part of efforts to support investigations, the group announced a N1 million reward for credible information that could assist security agencies in identifying those behind the recent incidents.
Another N1 million reward was offered for information that could help authorities identify individuals connected to the violence during the Olimi Festival.
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