A stage performance showcasing all of China’s 40 cultural treasures listed by UNESCO was held at the Guangzhou Baiyun International Convention Center on the evening of June 7th, marking the opening of China's third Cultural and Natural Heritage Day celebration in Guangzhou, the main venue of this year’s national event. Some 300 activities, including performances, exhibitions and forums will take place across the province.

Vice minister of China’s Ministry of Culture and Tourism Li Jinzao, vice governor of Guangdong Province Xu Ruisheng, and representative of UNESCO’s Beijing office Ms Ou Minxing, among many others, attended the opening ceremony.

Li Jinzao pointed out that China is stepping up the protection of its cultural heritage in recent years, and has created an environment much more conducive to the conservation and development of these cultural gems.

According to Xu Ruisheng, Guangdong is home to 4 of the items inscribed on UNESCO‘s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, the 132 inheritors on lists of National Intangible Cultural Heritage, is the highest number nationwide.

Authors: Wang Chunxiao, Monica Liu

Editor: Olivia Yang, Simon Haywood