What’s Driving China’s Intangible Cultural Heritage Boom?
Discover how young ICH inheritors are reinventing traditional crafts, why crocheting is making a comeback, and seven young Chinese sci-fi writers to read in 2026, all in this newsletter
Hello TWOC readers!
Over the past two and a half decades, the term “intangible cultural heritage” (ICH), or feiyi (非遗), has emerged as a cultural buzzword alongside renewed interest in traditional arts and crafts in China. But when it comes to the state of ICH, two starkly contrasting realities often coexist: many forms are on the brink of extinction, with shrinking audiences, aging practitioners, and limited funding for preservation. At the same time, some forms of ICH are powering viral online trends, shaping “China chic” consumption, and driving growth in cultural tourism. Both realities are true. In this issue, we speak with artisans, experts, and enthusiasts about how centuries-old arts are being connected with modern audiences. Grab your copy and find out more.
Read on to explore more tops:
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Old Techniques, New Vibes: How China’s Inheritors Are Reshaping Ancient Arts
As concerns grow over the decline of China’s intangible cultural heritage, young inheritors, veteran artisans, and enthusiasts are finding new ways to revive traditional crafts and connect with a modern audience. Read more
How China Turns Intangible Heritage Into Tangible Returns
While many of China’s intangible heritage traditions are struggling to survive, recent commercialization efforts have helped to transform some into sustainable business enterprises by integrating them with tourism and product sales. Read more
An Antidote to Speed: How China’s Urban Youth Are Stitching Their Way to Peace of Mind
In China’s high-pressure cities, young people are turning to crochet to slow down and heal, but as the hobby booms, some fear commercialization is unraveling its quiet appeal. Read more
What We’re Reading
Seven Chinese Sci-Fi Writers You Should Be Reading in 2026
Explore the works of emerging voices in Chinese sci-fi, from an eco-utopian island to a sharpshooter capable of ending war and civilization itself, and what they reveal about the past, present, and future of contemporary China. Read more
Chinese You Need
How Chinese Netizens Find Joy, Identity, and Rebellion in Food
In an uncertain world, young Chinese turn to food for simple joy and quiet rebellion against the fast-paced modern life—taking pride in eating well and competing over who does it best. Learn more
Buy Our Latest Issue
First defined by UNESCO in a 2003 convention, intangible cultural heritage encompasses oral traditions, performing arts, traditional crafts, rituals, festivals, and other living cultural practices. In recent years, China has seen a renewed interest in traditional arts and crafts, while businesses have moved quickly to capitalize on this revival, fueling the rise of “China chic” consumption and driving growth in cultural tourism. What are the driving forces behind the trend, and will it be sustainable? All this and more in our latest magazine issue. Support on-the-ground reporting from China—get your copy today!