Political advisors discuss intangible cultural heritage protection

Political advisors have called for better protection of the country's intangible cultural heritage, which are increasingly threatened by China's swift economic and social transition.

In a biweekly consultation session, presided over by top political advisor Yu Zhengsheng, members of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference lamented the dwindling number of successors and audience to appreciate the country's intangible cultural heritage.

According to a statement issued after the session, political advisors suggested that all intangible cultural heritage and their successors be catalogued and recorded. A database should also be established and authorities should provide venues for exhibition and exchanges.

Meanwhile, identification and recognition of successors to intangible cultural heritage must be given attention and their welfare improved, the advisors said.

China has allocated more than 3.5 billion yuan since 2006 to ensure the protection of 1,372 national programs, 1,986 state-level inheritors and 18 experimental zones.

Other ideas floated at the session included more government backing of intangible cultural heritage programs that lack market support, and enhanced supervision over programs, to protect "outstanding cultural genes" from being spoiled. Endi