Intangible cultural heritage is the most vivid part of traditional human culture, and it is an important cornerstone for the continuation of world civilization, the continuous global context, and the promotion of international cultural exchanges and progress.
Since nourished and developed Qi culture and Lu culture, Weifang has been listed as the national Qilu Culture (Weifang) ecological protection area. In 2021, due to its rich and unique intangible culture especially in crafts and folk arts, it was designated to be UNESCO "Creative City of Crafts and Folk Arts". Last year, Weifang's distinctive cultural charm led to its successful nomination as the "Culture City of East Asia" for 2024.
With the support of the Cultural Section of the Embassy of the People's Republic of China in Japan, hosted by the Weifang Culture and Tourism Bureau, the Chinese Cultural Center in Tokyo, and the Asia Pacific Station of China Media Group, Beijing Rongyu Culture Communication Co., Ltd. hosted the "the most memorable Qilu ancient style in Weifang" China ICH Exhibition opened on June 14, 2023 in Tokyo.This is the second exhibition of Weifang's intangible cultural heritage in Japan, with the aim of deepening mutual understanding and promoting China-Japan friendship.
Mr. Chen Zheng, Minister Counselor, Cultural Division of the Chinese Embassy in Japan, Mr. Fan Xinjian, President, Weifang Intangible Cultural Heritage Protection Association, Mr. Luo Yuquan, Director, China Cultural Center, Tokyo, Mr. He Xinlei, Director, Tokyo Branch, China Media Group, Mr. Keiichiro Saito, Director, International Tourism Division, Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport of Japan, Mr. Masaki Guta, Director, Japanese Government Tourism Bureau, Japan-China Friendship Association Executive director of the Nagata Tetsuji, the Chinese Ministry of Culture and Tourism International exchange and Cooperation Bureau of the former inspector Zhang Xilong, the Japanese national Federation of local news agencies and more than other 60 guests attended the opening ceremony, including Hachimaki Hiroyuki, author of “Record China”, Lu Juan, representative director of Japan-China Cultural Exchange Center, and Li Baiwen, professor of Tourism School of Beijing Union University.
Mr. Fan Xinjian, President of Weifang Intangible Cultural Heritage Protection Association, introduced Weifang as the "Culture City of East Asia" in 2024 at the opening ceremony.
Guests were invited to hold a ribbon-cutting ceremony to witness the trip of Weifang intangible cultural heritage to Japan.
Guests enjoy the skills demonstration by Liu Bin, representative inheritor of Weifang Peach Stone Carving, Yang Naidong,provincial representative inheritor of Yangjiabu Woodblock New Year Pictures, Guo Hongli, provincial representative inheritor of Weifang Kite, Li Jinbo, representative inheritor of paper-cutting.
The exhibition will last for 10 days until June 23. Mr. Fan Xinjian, President of Weifang Intangible Cultural Heritage Protection Association, and Professor Li Baiwen, Tourism School of Beijing Union University, were invited to deliver a thematic lectures on intangible cultural heritage.
