Recently, Guangzhou's Liwan District officially unveiled the eighth batch of district-level intangible cultural heritage (ICH) representative items. This batch includes a total of 26 ICH representative items, spanning eight categories: traditional crafts, traditional medicine, traditional music, traditional fine arts, traditional sports, games and acrobatics, folk literature, and folklore. The total number of ICH representative items at all levels in Liwan District has reached 86.

Old Xiguan's traditional Chinese medical center

Among this batch, traditional crafts account for the largest proportion, with 14 items, followed by traditional medicine with 6 items. There are also 2 items in folklore, 1 in traditional fine arts, 1 in traditional dance, 1 in folk literature, and 1 in traditional sports, games, and acrobatics.

The dominance of traditional crafts, constituting more than half of the newly added items, alongside traditional medicine, continues Liwan's rich historical tradition and abundant ICH resources. This underscores the significant value and status of traditional crafts and traditional Chinese medicine within the realm of ICH.

Guangdong silk

ICH originates from life, reflects history, and is intricately linked to people's daily needs, including clothing, food, shelter, and transportation. It boasts a strong mass base and distinctive regional characteristics. For instance, the techniques of Guangdong silk weaving and the production of sweatshirts and vests showcase the evolution of weaving technology across different historical periods.

Guangzhou's goldsmithing craftsmanship

Guangzhou's goldsmithing craftsmanship represents the level of handmade precious metal crafts, with patterns such as dragons, phoenixes and auspicious symbols like the ruyi scepter, reflecting the cultural connotations of Lingnan.

The traditional tea blending craftsmanship of Cantonese culture demonstrates the Cantonese people's tea-drinking habits and their wisdom in cultivating their minds and nurturing their bodies.

A notable highlight of this batch of district-level ICH representative items is the six projects related to Xiguan's distinctive culinary culture. They not only showcase the rich persity of Xiguan's food culture but also embody the authentic and flavorful Cantonese way of life.

Cantonese bamboo-pole noodles

These projects include commonly used Cantonese culinary techniques such as Cantonese braised sauce preparation, as well as everyday food preparation methods like Cantonese bamboo-pole noodles and Cantonese porridge boiling.

They also encompass traditional pastry and dessert-making techniques, along with renowned local delicacies like Xiguan chilled fish skin and Cantonese ice cream, each of which offers a delightful culinary experience for citizens and tourists alike.

Hung Gar performance

It is worth noting that several cultural traditions shared across Lingnan regions have been newly added, further enriching Liwan's ICH project reserve. This demonstrates the richness and uniqueness of Chinese excellent traditional culture and emphasizes the importance and necessity of its inheritance and protection. Examples include the art of Guqin (Lingnan style), Cantonese nursery rhymes, Hung Gar kung fu (Huang Feihong style), Cantonese wedding customs, and Lingnan flower arranging art (Xiguan flower arranging technique).

Cantonese wedding sense

In 2024, two ICH inheritors from Liwan District have been selected as recommended candidates for the sixth batch of national-level ICH representative inheritors (after the completion of the public announcement and pending official announcement). The number of national-level ICH inheritors in Liwan District is expected to lead Guangzhou.

Text | Clarice

Photo | Liwan District Publicity Department

Editor | Monica, Nina, James