Pingyao promotes intangible cultural heritage in Beijing

A promotion conference for the intangible cultural heritage of Pingyao county in North China's Shanxi province is held in Beijing on May 28. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn] 

A promotion conference for the intangible cultural heritage of Pingyao county in North China's Shanxi province was held in Beijing on May 28.

Owning a UNESCO world cultural heritage site – the Ancient City of Pingyao, Pingyao county has conserved a large number of cultural relics and monuments and passed down rich intangible cultural heritage artifacts, including two treasures of Pingyao – Pingyao polished lacquerware and Pingyao beef. 

In September 2022, Pingyao county was officially listed as a location that promotes the development of characteristic professional towns for the production of their polished lacquerware and beef. As a result of this listing, Pingyao has undertaken a total of 24 related projects, with a substantial investment of 907 million yuan ($127.90 million). The primary aim of these projects is to focus on planning, improving, and promoting the development of these industries within the region. Through these efforts, Pingyao hopes to establish itself as a leading producer of high-quality polished lacquerware and beef and to attract further investment and interest in the region's unique and thriving industries.

Foreign guests learn about making techniques of Pingyao polished lacquerware. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn] 

The conference was the first investment promotion activity of Pingyao beef and Pingyao polished lacquerware characteristic professional towns held by Pingyao county. 

"Today's event is our new starting point. Pingyao beef will become the world-renowned 'Pingyao taste,' and polished lacquerware will become the 'Pingyao gift,' wowing the world," said Wei Jiangfeng, top official of Pingyao, at the event.

A signing ceremony is held during the promotion. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn] 

During the conference, agreements on investment and cooperation projects were signed. Shanxi-born filmmaker Jia Zhangke was awarded an ambassador letter for promoting Pingyao beef and Pingyao polished lacquerware characteristic professional towns. 

In addition, a month-long craft and cultural exhibition of Pingyao beef and Pingyao polished lacquerware was launched at the China Intangible Cultural Heritage Museum, scheduled to last until June 28.