The 2026 "Xinjiang, A Land of Wonders" themed exhibition supporting Xinjiang through intangible cultural heritage opened on July 30 in Shihezi City, Xinjiang. Running through August 3, this year's event is the largest edition to date, featuring an innovative exhibition hall centered on "integration and co-creation," embodying the idea of beauty in diversity and harmony through mutual appreciation.
At the main venue, the Shihezi Convention and Exhibition Center, six sections have been set up: "Intangible Heritage: Music and Dance," "Intangible Heritage: A Feast of Local Flavors," "Intangible Heritage: Technology and Innovation," "Intangible Heritage: Learning and Transmission," "Intangible Heritage: Cultural and Creative Market," and an interactive exhibition and performances themed "Intangible Heritage in Poetry." These sections offer a diverse range of experiences, including Chaoshan Yingge dance, Xinjiang Muqam, heritage food tastings, XR digital experiences, and interactive educational activities.
At the sub-venue, the Bayi Sugar Factory Cultural and Creative District, seven intangible cultural heritage items, including Nanjing Yunjin brocade and Hainan Li brocade, will be featured on a permanent basis, helping move intangible cultural heritage presentation beyond short-term exhibitions toward sustained transmission. This strategic move ensures that these cultural treasures are not just showcased temporarily but are integrated into the community's cultural fabric for long-term preservation and appreciation.
Using intangible cultural heritage as a bridge, the event promotes interaction, exchange, and integration among all ethnic groups. By encouraging practitioners to learn from one another and collaborate, it injects new vitality into the safeguarding and transmission of these traditions. The exhibition brings together more than 650 representative intangible cultural heritage items and is expected to receive 200,000 visits, underscoring its significance in fostering cultural unity and diversity.
The event's importance lies in its role as a platform for cultural dialogue and mutual learning. It not only highlights the rich cultural heritage of Xinjiang but also facilitates cross-regional cooperation, as evidenced by the participation of heritage items from other parts of China. The permanent installation at the Bayi Sugar Factory Cultural and Creative District signifies a shift from temporary displays to lasting cultural infrastructure, ensuring that these traditions have a home in the community for years to come.
By focusing on integration and co-creation, the exhibition aligns with broader efforts to preserve China's intangible cultural heritage while promoting social harmony. The inclusion of technology and innovation sections demonstrates how traditional practices can adapt to modern contexts, engaging younger audiences through XR experiences and interactive learning. This approach not only safeguards heritage but also makes it relevant to contemporary society.
As the exhibition continues through August 3, it serves as a testament to the power of cultural heritage in bridging communities and fostering mutual appreciation. The expected 200,000 visits highlight the public's keen interest in these traditions and the exhibition's success in attracting diverse audiences. Through this initiative, Xinjiang reinforces its position as a land of wonders, where heritage is not only preserved but also celebrated as a living, evolving part of its identity.
