Source: CCTV.com

06-10-2007 14:57

Special Report:   Cultural Heritage Day

Along with fifty other countries, China is holding activities to mark "Intangible Heritage Day". But the country now faces the challenge of balancing rapid economic development with protecting its heritage.

Another show awaits sixty-three-year old Sichuan Opera artist Wang Housheng.

His career started 50 years ago when he was a 13-year old boy.

Wang Housheng, Sichuan Opera artist, said, "It's a performance involving every part of your body. After all these years of performing, I still cherish the Opera as the love of my life."

Sichuan Opera is among China's intangible heritages listed by the State Council.

More than 500 items are also under protection.

Some of them, such as Kunqu Opera and the Chinese zither are also recognized by UNESCO as world heritages.

But preserving these will need much more than just government help.

Chen Qiaoru, vice president of Chengdu Sichuan Opera Theater, said, "Like many other operas, Sichuan Opera has difficulty attracting young audiences and new blood. This is a fact that we have to face."

An authentic shadow play under the roof of a national museum – a new venue for an old tradition.

Modern life has given these kids a view that's heads and shoulders above their parents'.

But the past still has a charm they can't resist.

For ten-year old Wang Xiya, the morning spent inside the museum could spark a lifelong interest in traditional Chinese culture.

And this is exactly what Director of the National Museum of Fine Arts, Fan Di'an, had in mind when he put on the show.

Fan Di'an, director of National Museum of Fine Arts, said, "Children know only what they like and what they don't like. It's a very intuitive reaction. And by creating a show that we believe will be of great interest to them, we hope to plant the seed."

And if this childhood enthusiasm can last, such examples of intangible cultural heritage may well live on to thrill future generations.

 

Editor:Liu Fang