11th Cultural Heritage Day brings heritage into modern life

National Cultural Heritage Day aims at promoting the protection of rich domestic cultural resources. [Photo/IC]

The 11th Cultural Heritage Day falls on June 11 this year with a series of celebration activities held in Chengde city in North China’s Hebei province, according to the State Administration of Cultural Heritage’s (SACH) latest press release held on May 11.

This year’s theme is “Integrating Cultural Heritage into Modern Life”.

Zhu Xiaodong, Director General of the Department of Police and Law of the SACH, said, “From cultural scenic spots to historic streets, from cultural relics to traditional rural residences, from old-fashioned skills to traditional customs, cultural heritage represents the essence of Chinese traditional culture in a tangible, concrete, direct and practical manner.”

“The reason to combine modern life into cultural heritage is to avoid similar appearances between cities and counties on one hand; to render the public a sense of belonging on the other,” Zhu added.

Meanwhile, it’s reported that the Chengde Mountain Resort and its surrounding areas will be the main venue for next month’s celebrations. Activities, including the opening ceremony, intangible cultural-heritage-themed exhibition, and a photo and painting show will be open to the public by turns.

The Chinese central government declared in 2005 that the second Saturday of June would be celebrated as Cultural Heritage Day each year, in order to promote the protection of the country’s rich cultural resources.