Source: CCTV.com

05-23-2007 09:17

Special Report:   Cultural Heritage Day

Culture and civilization are in reality simply formed by individuals collectively passing down the practices of their ancestors. A crucial part of this comes under the heading of folk arts and crafts.

As China experiences urban boom and development, the majority of these largely rural arts fall into neglect and decline. Some have entered the museums forever, while others are only practiced by a very few, who often need to take up side jobs in order to eke out a living.

However, the situation is now expected to change, as a new project aims to help those individuals with rare and precious skills. And "Protective zones", or officially designated "cultural eco-gardens" are to be set up to protect communities on whose survival such skills depend.