Exhibition on Hunan’s Intangible Cultural Heritage Opens in Changsha

An exhibition titled "Exploring Hunan's Intangible Cultural Heritage" kicked off at the Changsha South Railway Station on February 2. The event is jointly organized by the Hunan Provincial Department of Culture and Tourism and the Changsha South Railway Station of the China Railway Guangzhou Group Co., Ltd.

Taking the "urban gateway + transportation hub" as its platform, the exhibition showcases nearly 20 representative intangible cultural heritage items including Hunan embroidery, Miao embroidery, Miao painting, Dong brocade, Tujia brocade, Changsha Tongguan Kiln ceramics, black tea processing techniques, and Nvshu (women's script) customs. Through text, artifacts, and immersive displays that blend modern visual language with traditional aesthetics, the exhibition vividly showcases the artistic beauty and cultural meaning of Hunan's intangible cultural heritage. The show aims to create a cultural space within the bustling transportation hub where travelers can pause, engage, and feel a connection, immersing themselves in Hunan culture.

In the corridor of the Waiting Hall, visitors can appreciate the exquisite artistry of Hunan embroidery, where "embroidered flowers seem to emit fragrance and embroidered birds appear to come alive." Travelers can experience the meticulous craftsmanship of Miao silverware, savor the rich and mellow aroma of Anhua dark tea, and feel the unique female cultural memories preserved in Nvshu works. The exhibition also features modern innovations like the "Clay Figurine Master Liu" series from the Changsha Tongguan Kiln, showcasing how intangible cultural heritage is passed down and revitalized in contemporary life.

A variety of live folk performances like puppet shows, dramatic "face-changing," and acrobatics were staged to captivate the travelers. Six performers dressed as the mythical "Ne Zha" riding on "wind-and-fire wheels" wove  through the crowd handing out the Chinese character "Fu," symbolizing blessings. "I simply can't get enough of it, but I have just two minutes left to catch my train," remarked Mr. Wang, traveling from Changsha to Ganzhou. This was his first time experiencing Hunan's intangible cultural heritage performances, which he found fascinating. He looked forward to future opportunities to explore such traditions.

"The high-speed railway station serves as a vital hub for Hunan connecting with other parts of the nation. Through the event, we hope to showcase the charm of Tongdao Dong brocade to more travelers," said Yang Na, a representative inheritor of Dong brocade weaving techniques. Yi Hua, a representative inheritor of Miao embroidery, not only brought exhibition items blending elements of Xiangxi Miao embroidery and Miao painting, but also presented customized itineraries available that feature intangible cultural heritage. She hopes to cultivate broader opportunities to promote the inheritance and protection of intangible cultural heritage through tourism.

The exhibition will last for three months and is open to the public free of charge.

Source: Hunan Official Web Portal (enghunan.gov.cn)