The 2026 "Xinjiang, A Land of Wonders" themed exhibition opened in Shihezi City on July 30, marking the largest edition to date. Running through August 3 at the Shihezi Convention and Exhibition Center, the event uses intangible cultural heritage as a bridge to foster interaction and mutual appreciation among diverse ethnic groups. This year's theme, "integration and co-creation," is reflected in an innovative exhibition hall design that embodies the idea of beauty in diversity and harmony through mutual appreciation.
The main venue features six sections: "Intangible Heritage: Music and Dance," "Intangible Heritage: A Feast of Local Flavors," "Intangible Heritage: Technology and Innovation," "Intangible Heritage: Learning and Transmission," "Intangible Heritage: Cultural and Creative Market," and an interactive exhibition and performances themed "Intangible Heritage in Poetry." These sections offer a wide range of experiences, including Chaoshan Yingge dance, Xinjiang Muqam, heritage food tastings, XR digital experiences, and interactive educational activities. Attendees can immerse themselves in traditional performances and hands-on learning, bridging the past and present.
At the sub-venue, the Bayi Sugar Factory Cultural and Creative District, seven intangible cultural heritage items, including Nanjing Yunjin brocade and Hainan Li brocade, are featured on a permanent basis. This strategic move aims to shift intangible cultural heritage presentation from short-term exhibitions to sustained transmission, ensuring these traditions remain vibrant in everyday life. By embedding heritage in a creative district, the exhibition encourages ongoing engagement and preservation.
The event brings together more than 650 representative intangible cultural heritage items from across China, making it a significant platform for cultural exchange. Organizers expect to receive 200,000 visits, underscoring the public's growing interest in heritage preservation. The exhibition not only highlights the richness of Xinjiang's cultural tapestry but also promotes the integration of various ethnic groups through shared appreciation of these traditions.
According to the organizers, the exhibition encourages intangible cultural heritage practitioners to learn from one another and collaborate, injecting new vitality into safeguarding and transmission efforts. This collaborative approach is central to the event's mission, as it fosters a sense of shared ownership and responsibility for cultural heritage. By facilitating dialogue among practitioners from different regions and ethnic backgrounds, the exhibition helps to strengthen cultural bonds and mutual respect.
The significance of this exhibition extends beyond its immediate cultural offerings. It represents a deliberate effort to use intangible cultural heritage as a tool for social cohesion and sustainable development. In a region known for its cultural diversity, such initiatives play a crucial role in preserving traditions while adapting them to contemporary contexts. The integration of modern technology, such as XR digital experiences, alongside traditional performances demonstrates how heritage can evolve without losing its essence.
As the exhibition runs through August 3, visitors have the opportunity to engage with a wide array of cultural expressions, from dance and music to culinary arts and crafts. The permanent installation at the Bayi Sugar Factory ensures that the impact of this event will be felt long after the exhibition concludes, contributing to the long-term vitality of intangible cultural heritage in the region.
