Every weekend, at an intangible cultural heritage hall in Xining, northwest China’s Qinghai Province, visitors gather around Wang Fubang as he introduces Huangzhong silver and copper craft making and gilding skills to them while helping children experience the crafts.
Wang Fubang demonstrates Huangzhong silver and copper craft making and gilding skills at an intangible cultural heritage hall in Xining, northwest China’s Qinghai Province. (People’s Daily Online/Ma Kexin)
Huangzhong silver and copper craft making and gilding skills have a history of 300 years. In 2011, they were included in China’s national intangible cultural heritage list. For the past 30 years, Wang, a district-level representative inheritor of the crafts, has been devoted to their preservation and trained more than a dozen apprentices, ensuring the skills are passed on to the next generation.
"I grew up watching artisans in my village working with metal. It captured my interest early on. But after becoming an apprentice, I realized that this work requires more than interest. It takes persistence and a commitment to innovate while staying true to tradition," said Wang.
Wang Fubang polishes silverware at an intangible cultural heritage hall in Xining, northwest China’s Qinghai Province. (People’s Daily Online/Ma Kexin)
Unlike traditional museums where exhibits are kept behind glass, the intangible cultural heritage hall in Xining brings culture to life through open and interactive spaces. Instead of just looking, visitors are encouraged to take part.
People are at the core of preserving and passing down intangible cultural heritage. To turn visitors from onlookers into participants, the intangible cultural heritage hall depends on the involvement of seasoned master artisans like Wang.
Tourists visit the intangible cultural heritage hall in Xining, northwest China’s Qinghai Province. (People’s Daily Online/Ma Kexin)
Wang gladly accepted the invitation, where he now demonstrates Huangzhong silver and copper craft making and gilding skills to visiting guests.
Photo shows embroidery products on display at the intangible cultural heritage hall in Xining, northwest China’s Qinghai Province. (People’s Daily Online/Ma Kexin)
The intangible cultural heritage hall started trial operations in 2024.
During one interactive event, the hall offered hands-on experiences with more than 10 intangible cultural heritage items. 14 heritage inheritors showcased their skills and guided participants, attracting over 120 visitors.
An artisan demonstrates dough figurine making at the intangible cultural heritage hall in Xining, northwest China’s Qinghai Province. (People’s Daily Online/Ma Kexin)
Offline experiences are helping intangible cultural heritage become part of everyday life. At the same time, digital technology is helping it reach a wider audience. Through 3D scanning and digital twin technology, the hall has created a virtual exhibition that lets visitors explore the collection online— right from their phones or computers.
Tourists visit the intangible cultural heritage hall in Xining, northwest China’s Qinghai Province. (People’s Daily Online/Ma Kexin)
原文地址：http://en.people.cn/n3/2025/0630/c98649-20334192.html