19 Guizhou intangible cultural heritage items enter national list

A total of 19 cultural heritage items from Southwest China's Guizhou province have been included on the fifth list of China's national intangible cultural heritage items released by the State Council on June 10.

The 19 cultural heritage items include nine newly-added ones, such as Miao Gupiao dance from Danzhai county. Also known as Geiha dancing, it is only performed in Danzhai's Songlong village and has been passed down for 72 generations.

"Bad deib xiongb", a Miao phrase which refers to a special scripture read at Miao ancestor worship celebrations, was also included on the list.

Bamboo drifting, another item included on the list, is a unique skill that originated in the Chishui River basin, in which performers float on water by stepping on a piece of bamboo.

Yet another listed item is Bouyei embroidery, which originated in Ceheng county in the Qianxinan Bouyei and Miao autonomous prefecture and boasts a long history. It uses various embroidery techniques to create patterns of flowers, birds, insects, and fishes, representing the customs and culture of the Bouyei ethnic group.

Fish in sour soup, another item on the list, is a traditional dish from Kaili city. It is made of sour soup, fish, and green onion, and is popular in the Qiandongnan Miao and Dong autonomous prefecture.

Xuzao, yet another item featured on the list, is the Sui ethnic group's traditional opera, and performances are based on folk songs and stories. It mixes prose and verse, and is presented both via storytelling and singing.

Another item on the list is the Bouyei ethnic group's wushu performance, which is widely spread throughout Longan county, Qianxinan Bouyei and Miao autonomous prefecture. It was created for the purpose of defense, but was later developed into a fitness and performance exercise.

Gelao folk songs, also on the list, are traditional songs sung by the Gelao ethnic group's ancestors when they were working or resting. They are divided into various genres, each with its own unique features.

Gabaifu, another listed item, is a type of Miao's traditional opera popular in Qiandongnan. Miao folk stories are told in prose and songs are sung in verses.

There are also 10 cultural heritage items included in China's extended list of cultural heritage items. They include songs, opera, embroidery, batik, baijiu making, traditional Chinese medicine, and more.