China

Inscribed in 2024 (19.COM) on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity

Held on the first day of the tenth lunar month, the Qiang New Year Festival is an occasion for the Qiang people of China’s Sichuan Province to express their gratitude and reverence, reaffirm their harmonious and respectful relationship with nature, and promote social and family harmony. The festival is also a means of regulating community actions and individual behaviours while promoting intergenerational exchange and peace. In addition to uniting participants of all ages and genders, it has become a platform for dialogue and exchange between the Qiang people and other communities, thus contributing to inclusive social development. In 2009, the element was inscribed on the List of Intangible Cultural Heritage in Need of Urgent Safeguarding. At that time, participation in the festival had declined over time due to migration, declining interest in Qiang heritage among the young and the impact of outside cultures. In addition, the 2008 Sichuan earthquake destroyed many of the Qiang villages and devastated the region put the New Year festival at grave risk. Since then, the festival has played a key role in rebuilding faith and resilience after the 2008 earthquake, increasing people’s awareness of food security and environmental protection. Traditionally, the practice was transmitted informally within families. Over time, the related knowledge and skills, as well as the use of the Qiang language, have been integrated into formal education, stimulating young people’s interest in and identification with the related cultural traditions. The festival and safeguarding measures have been incorporated into local economic and social development planning. They have contributed to the sustainable livelihood of the communities, increasing employment and income while promoting inclusive economic growth.