Fo Guang Shan Buddha Museum

Exhibition of Qinghai Intangible Cultural Heritage

This year's "Preserving the Spiritual Homeland—Chinese Intangible Cultural Heritage Month" turns its spotlight on the intangible cultural heritage of Qinghai Province. The event shines a light on Qinghai's folk arts, traditional crafts, music, dance, and opera through exhibitions, performances, and showcases by heritage bearers. Workshops led by Qinghai's cultural heritage inheritors will provide participants the opportunity to delve into the finer aspects of the province's intangible cultural craftsmanship.

Hua'er (UNESCO's Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity)

Qinghai's intangible cultural heritage is truly one-of-a-kind. It's the birthplace of "Hua'er," a world of music and dance, carrying the distinct essence of Qinghai that leaves a lasting impression. Hua'er represents a collection of folk songs collaboratively crafted by diverse ethnic groups from Gansu, Qinghai, and Ningxia in northwestern China. These songs metaphorically associated women with flowers, bestowing upon Qinghai the endearing title of the captivating "homeland  of flowers." The lyrics of Hua'er are ingeniously playful and vivid, creating a dynamic and lively atmosphere.

Regong Arts (UNESCO's Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity)

From Qinghai's Yellow River Source area, particularly within the thriving Longwu Monastery, emerged a fascinating fusion of diverse artistic forms. This encompasses painting and sculpture, including thangka art, murals, barbola, and sculpting. Regong's art predominantly draws inspiration from Tibetan Buddhist narratives, historical Tibetan personalities, as well as myths, legends, and epics.

Hehuang Shadow Play (UNESCO's Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity)

In Qinghai, shadow play is referred to as "影子shadow" or "皮影兒shadow puppets," a puppetry tradition flourishing in the province's eastern reaches. Hehuang's shadow play showcases a well-developed rhythm, melody, and vocal style, featuring distinct music created through strings and percussion instruments. Puppet characters are intricately designed with 11 parts, appearing to be vividly lifelike. These performances, a staple of folk gatherings, carry hopes for favorable weather and prosperity for both the community and its livestock.

Gesar Epic Tradition (UNESCO's Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity)

The Tibetan epic storytelling art of "Gesar" traces its origins to Qinghai Province, where the headwaters of the Yangtze and Yellow Rivers flow. It stands as a manifestation of the collective wisdom of the Tibetan people. Over centuries, this artistic tradition has evolved through the craftsmanship of folk artists, giving rise to the impactful and widely spread Tibetan heroic epic, "The Epic of King Gesar." Beyond chronicling the life of the hero Gesar, this epic provides a comprehensive depiction of ancient Tibetan social life. It is the longest epic in the world.