Yugur cultural heritage preservation flourishes in winter-bound Sunan

On Dec 23, in the Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) Master Studio of Sunan Yugur autonomous county, Zhangye, Gansu province, Pan Xiaohong, Yugur clothing heritage inheritor was teaching ICH enthusiasts on the art of utilizing newly introduced embroidery machines.

During the cold winter months, ICH inheritors in Sunan launched the "Revitalizing Yugur Intangible Cultural Heritage in the Modern Era" initiative. Many inheritors are taking advantage of the winter downtime to visit communities, pastoral areas, and yurts, where they teach locals how to create traditional Yugur clothing, practice Yugur embroidery, perform Yugur dances, and sing Yugur folk songs in their original form. These efforts have enabled many residents and herders to acquire traditional cultural skills, bringing together "old crafts" and "new artisans" to spark a fascinating cultural revival.

In recent years, Sunan has implemented various measures to preserve and promote its rich Yugur intangible cultural heritage, including Yugur clothing, wedding customs, and folk songs. These efforts include hands-on teaching by heritage inheritors, live-streamed lessons, community outreach, and collaborations with enterprises, school programs, and visits to pastoral areas. The county has also established ICH demonstration bases to train a new generation of skilled youth in traditional crafts. These initiatives have breathed new life into the ancient cultural imprints of the Silk Road, allowing them to shine in the modern era.