On December 2nd, the "Intangible Heritage Treasures, Gifts from Guangdong - 2023 Guangdong Intangible Cultural Heritage Souvenir Exhibition and Showcase" opened in Guangzhou. With 362 products submitted from across the province, 100 entered the 2023 Guangdong Intangible Cultural Heritage Souvenir List and were officially unveiled at the event. Representatives of selected souvenirs and inheritors of intangible heritages from 21 cities and two provincial institutions gathered to celebrate this cultural extravaganza.
The event, adopting a market-style exhibition, kicked off amidst the awakening lion dance performance and drum beats. Innovative interactive activities like "scratch card collection" engaged visitors, with an estimated 50,000 participants on the day of the unveiling.
The diverse selection of products in the event includes traditional dance, drama, fine arts, craftsmanship, traditional medicine, and folk culture, spanning crafts, daily items, and food products. They include classic works developed through traditional paths and innovative cultural and creative products filled with creativity.
About 15% of the chosen items are innovative cultural products, such as awakening lion dance-inspired creations, 3D puzzles of one-thousand-angle lantern, and bookmarks featuring straw painting, expanding the application of intangible cultural heritage into contemporary daily life.
Embodying the rich "Guangdong flavor", these 100 selected items serve as a treasure trove of Lingnan culture.
At the exhibition area, souvenirs of intangible cultural heritage from all corners of Guangdong captivated visitors, offering a glimpse into the local cultural landscape. The lively atmosphere allowed attendees to experience the fragrance of traditional Dongguan incense, admire creative cultural artifacts inspired by Zhaoqing's Duan Inkstone, and explore artistic water chestnut-shaped pottery from Shaoguan.
Engaging discussions between visitors and inheritors ranged from Yao ethnic attire and silver drums with representatives from Qingyuan to learning the craft of straw painting from inheritors in Chaozhou. The exchange of ideas among inheritors showcased the intricacies and creativity of souvenirs inspired by intangible cultural heritages.
In the experiential zone, 10 representative intangible cultural heritage projects provided immersive interactive experiences. Crowds gathered around the Guangzhou olive kernel carving, Yao embroidery, and Guangde ceramic firing craftsmanship booths, as citizens enthusiastically immersed themselves in these cultural encounters.
Zhang Zaiyue, a representative inheritor of Chaozhou paper cutting at the Yao embroidery booth, shared, "Paper cutting reflects a snapshot of life. We not only cut beautiful and intricate patterns but also use this skill to depict various objects in life." The careful incorporation of intangible cultural elements into souvenirs by the people of Lingnan reflects the charm of Lingnan culture, further promoting its brilliance through diverse dissemination channels.
