Zhejiang’s rich cultural tapestry was on full display recently at the grand opening of the Intangible Cultural Heritage Weekend Market at the Starlight International Plaza in Binjiang District, Hangzhou. The first event at the market brought together 40 captivating intangible cultural heritage projects from Hangzhou, Ningbo, and Shaoxing.

As a permanent platform dedicated to showcasing Hangzhou’s intangible cultural heritage, the market aims to highlight the vibrant and dynamic aspects of traditional arts and crafts, foster a deeper appreciation for traditional arts and crafts by offering visitors an immersive experience, and promote the integration of traditional arts and crafts into modern culture and tourism.

The opening ceremony featured a diverse range of performances. The lively and humorous Xiaorehun performance, “The Past and Present of Intangible Cultural Heritage in Hangzhou,” offered a unique perspective on Hangzhou’s cultural heritage. Xiaorehun is a traditional Chinese folk art form involving rhythmic speech and singing to tell stories. The elegant dance, “A Literati Gathering of the Song Dynasty,” accompanied by traditional instruments, transported the audience back to the Song Dynasty. The poignant Yue Opera performance, “Butterfly Lovers - Farewell,” highlighted the refinement of Jiangnan’s culture.

The market itself showcased 40 intangible cultural heritage projects from Hangzhou, Ningbo, and Shaoxing. Among them, 30 projects were from Hangzhou, including traditional crafts such as woodblock printing, silk umbrellas, embroidery, Guojiang cloth from Xiaoshan, and lotus root powder from Sanjia Village.

At the market, embroidery artisans skillfully worked with needles and vibrant silk threads to create intricate patterns, while paper-cutting artisans transformed thin sheets of paper into delicate masterpieces. Visitors had the chance to witness these skills up close and immerse themselves in the richness of traditional culture.

To further engage visitors, the market organized a variety of interactive activities, including collecting stamps and trying traditional games like pitch-pot and archery. These hands-on experiences allowed visitors to connect with cultural heritage on a personal level, gaining a deeper appreciation for its significance.

The Hangzhou Intangible Cultural Heritage Weekend Market is sponsored by the Hangzhou Municipal Bureau of Culture, Radio, TV and Tourism, and co-organized by the Hangzhou Cultural Center (Hangzhou Intangible Cultural Heritage Protection Center), the Culture, Radio, TV, Tourism and Sports Bureau of Hangzhou High-tech Zone (Binjiang), and the Hangzhou Theater Association.