Genesis and Spirit: Intangible Cultural Heritage of China Exhibition
Hong Kong Central Library Exhibition Gallery
9am – 8pm
09 October 2011 - 27 October 2011
To strengthen the exchange and cooperation of the Mainland and the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) in safeguarding Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) and to showcase the richness of ICH in the country, the Ministry of Culture of China and the Home Affairs Bureau of Hong Kong SAR will present the “Genesis and Spirit: Intangible Cultural Heritage of China” exhibition in October 2011. The exhibition will feature the historical development and safeguarding measures of ICH in the Mainland. It will also introduce the safeguarding work of the Hong Kong SAR since the enforcement of the Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of UNESCO in April 2006. Exhibits of both the Mainland and Hong Kong will be showcased while eight representative bearers of items on National List of ICH will demonstrate in the exhibition venue as to let the visitors understand the charms of China’s ICH.
The Rich and Diverse Chinese Intangible Cultural Heritage
China is a multiethnic nation with a long history of civilization and an outstanding cultural tradition. For over 5000 years, the 56 ethnic groups living on this great land have created a rich variety of tangible and intangible cultural heritage: traditional oral literatures and the languages that convey them; traditional visual arts, calligraphy, music, dance, drama, songs, and acrobatics; traditional craftsmanship, medicines, and calendars; traditional folk customs, rituals, and festivals; traditional sports and recreational arts; and so on. These forms of cultural heritage, with their myriad expressive means and profound symbolic significance, are a crucial part of the spirit of the Chinese people.
Photographs by courtesy of the China National Center for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage
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Masked shamanistic dance of Anshun, Guizhou
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Broadsword, Shaolin Kungfu
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Diagnostic method in traditional Chinese medicine – Massage
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Sung music with accompaniment, Shandong
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The Mazu belief and customs
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Lacquer carving of Xiamen
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Safeguarding Intangible Cultural Heritage:
A New Milestone of Hong Kong
After the Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of UNESCO took effect in April 2006, Hong Kong set out on a new mission of safeguarding Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH), and the HKSAR Government has systematically and gradually launched a series of safeguarding measures. Application of items onto representative lists, conducting territory-wide survey of ICH and promoting Hong Kong's ICH to the general public are examples of our safeguarding measures.
The Yu Lan Ghost Festival of the
Chiu Chow Community
(Mid-Seventh Month Festival)
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The Jiao Festival of Cheung Chau
(Folk Beliefs)
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The Dragon Boat Water Parade
of Tai O (Tuen Ng Festival)
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The Tai Hang Fire Dragon Dance
(Mid Autumn Festival)
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Herbal tea (Traditional Handicrafts)
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Cantonese Opera (Traditional Operas)
(Photograph by courtesy of
Mr Lam Kar Sing)
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Other Past Exhibitions