National recognition for local inheritors

TWO of Jiading’s intangible heritage inheritors, bamboo carver Wang Wei and the Nanxiang maker Li Jiangang, were selected for the Fifth National Intangible Heritage Inheritors’ List.

The award is not only the recognition of two inheritors, but also the acceptance of Jiading’s culture renovation program.

Jiading bamboo carving is almost 500 years old. However, due to the lack of practitioners, the technique is in danger of being lost.

To tackle this problem, Jiading has set up bamboo carving classes at local primary and middle schools, taught by bamboo carving craftsmen, as well as workshops at local communities and scenic spots to teach anyone interested in the art.

Not all the intangible cultural heritage needs to be highbrow. Guyi Garden in Nanxiang Town has introduced its animated spokesman Xiaolongbao. With bamboo shoots on its head, a bun for its face, the cute Xiaolongbao immediately became a hit.

Combined with innovative intangible heritage and history, the revitalized image of Nanxiang will help promote Nanxiang’s food culture.

The value of cultural resources in cultural and relics institutions can only be tapped into if they can be revitalized, and their value will be optimized and increased as a result, according to the Jiading culture bureau.

Recently, Jiading held a traditional Confucian coming-of-age ceremony for 30 high school graduates at the Confucius temple in Jiading.

The revitalization of the static cultural heritage will not only inherit the cultural essence but also revitalize Confucianism in the new age, said a spokesman for the Jiading culture bureau.