China celebrates successful recognition of Spring Festival as cultural heritage

On December 6, 2024, in Beijing, China celebrated the successful inscription of the Spring Festival on the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. This recognition marks a significant achievement for China, which now has a total of 44 items on the UNESCO ICH List, ranking first globally. The Spring Festival symbolizes China's cultural diversity and incorporates numerous regional customs and practices that have evolved over time. It is recognized not only as a holiday but as a cultural phenomenon that integrates various forms of intangible cultural heritage, including traditional arts, performances, and familial practices. The inclusion of the Spring Festival in the UNESCO list underscores China's commitment to protecting its intangible cultural heritage, which encompasses a wide range of traditional practices, from Tibetan Opera to the Mazu belief system. China's successful efforts to preserve and promote such practices are a reflection of the country's recognition of its rich cultural heritage. This achievement comes after significant progress in the protection and inheritance of ICH since the implementation of the Law on Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2011, establishing a robust legal framework for safeguarding these traditions. The report to the National People's Congress Standing Committee highlights the economic and social contributions of ICH to the country, citing its positive effects on tourism and rural revitalization. Furthermore, educational authorities have begun to integrate ICH education into the national curriculum, ensuring the younger generation is informed about and invested in traditional cultural practices. The promotion and preservation of ICH have become integral parts of China's cultural policy and educational framework. In addition to these educational initiatives, digital preservation has emerged as an innovative avenue for maintaining and transmitting cultural knowledge in the digital age. This approach not only helps safeguard these traditions but also makes them accessible to broader audiences, thereby ensuring that the vibrant aspects of China's cultural heritage remain alive and relevant. The dedication towards innovative development in cultural programs demonstrates China's intention to adapt traditional practices within modern contexts, thus achieving greater impact and resonance in society than ever before.