Expert: Revitalize intangible cultural heritage to strengthen global ties

A Chinese expert has noted that intangible cultural heritage, as a treasure of Chinese culture, can help boost traditional Chinese culture to better connect with the outside world.

Li Bosheng, general manager of Sanya Nanshan International Intangible Cultural Heritage Development Co Ltd based in South China's Hainan province, said revitalizing intangible cultural heritage can help promote international communication and cooperation, and bolster cultural exchanges with other countries involved in the Belt and Road Initiative.

Speaking during the 5th Sanya Nanshan Intangible Cultural Heritage Season on June 12, Li said a mechanism for cultural and art exchanges between China and the rest of the world is imperative.

The Intangible Cultural Heritage Season, held on the advent of China's Cultural and Natural Heritage Day 2025 with the theme "Integration into Modern Life — Intangible Cultural Heritage in Its Prime", focuses on the revitalization, transformation and international communication of intangible cultural heritage, and aims to reveal the vitality and creativity of intangible cultural heritage resources in Hainan.

The event, organized by Li's company, has been held for five consecutive years in Nanshan, incorporating cultural export forum, fair experience, exhibitions and displays.

Li said the Nanshan Intangible Cultural Heritage Centre has boosted interaction with domestic and foreign cultural and tourism institutions and intangible cultural heritage organizations.

"We have also established the Sanya Nanshan Institute of Cultural and Creative Studies, a key step for Nanshan Cultural Tourism Area to become an 'enterprise with a strong cultural aspect'," Li said.

A joint effort between cultural scholars, business leaders, technological elites and multimedia talent at home and abroad, the institute will focus on five major sectors, contributing to regional cultural and industrial development.

According to Li, the Nanshan Intangible Cultural Heritage Centre is actively promoting international communication and cooperation, and planning intangible cultural heritage exhibitions and cultural exchange activities with BRI-related markets.

"We want to make China's intangible cultural heritage an important cultural carrier in connecting the outside world," Li said.