Intangible cultural heritages amaze Hohhot

An artist (second from left) teaches shadow puppetry in Yuquan district in Hohhot, North China's Inner Mongolia autonomous region on Feb 22. [Photo/Wechat account Huoliyuquan]

Residents in Hohhot were amazed and delighted by cultural performances staged to celebrate the Chinese Lunar New Year and the upcoming Lantern Festival which falls on Mar 2 this year.

A series of cultural events featuring intangible cultural heritages were staged around the city during the Spring Festival holiday.

Jia Hongwei, a sixth-generation inheritor of Mongolian leather painting, was invited to attend the 11th Dazhao Temple Fair, which commenced on Feb 21. Mongolian leather painting was listed as an intangible cultural heritage item of  Inner Mongolia autonomous region in 2016.

“I hope more people will learn about the ancient art of Inner Mongolia -- leather painting,” said Jia, the creator of numerous famous artworks.

Having been taught to paint leather by his father, he wants to keep the form alive. “I want to pass down this traditional art and show the world its unique charm,” he said.

Other staged events included Jinju Opera, shadow puppet play and paper-cutting, all of which attracted large crowds of visitors.

According to the city's intangible cultural heritage protection center, Hohhot has five national and 21 regional intangible cultural heritage items.

The local government has made strident efforts to protect and promote Hohhot's intangible cultural heritage, including adding related lessons to school curriculums in recent years.