The 2026 "Xinjiang, A Land of Wonders" themed exhibition, dedicated to 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," vividly 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." Together, they 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 shift underscores a commitment to preserving these cultural treasures for future generations.
Using intangible cultural heritage as a bridge, the event promotes interaction, exchange and integration among all ethnic groups. By encouraging intangible cultural heritage practitioners to learn from one another and collaborate, it injects new vitality into the safeguarding and transmission of intangible cultural heritage. The exhibition brings together more than 650 representative intangible cultural heritage items and is expected to receive 200,000 visits.
The significance of this exhibition extends beyond its scale. It represents a deliberate effort to use cultural heritage as a tool for social cohesion and economic development. By integrating traditional arts with modern technology and creative markets, the event not only preserves ancient practices but also adapts them to contemporary contexts, ensuring their relevance in a rapidly changing world.
Moreover, the inclusion of a permanent showcase at the Bayi Sugar Factory Cultural and Creative District signals a long-term investment in cultural sustainability. This approach contrasts with temporary exhibitions, offering a model for how heritage can be integrated into the daily life of a community, fostering a deeper appreciation and understanding among residents and visitors alike.
As the exhibition continues through August 3, it is poised to attract a wide audience, from cultural enthusiasts to tourists, providing a platform for cross-cultural dialogue and mutual learning. The event's emphasis on "integration and co-creation" reflects a broader vision of unity in diversity, a principle that resonates not only in Xinjiang but across the globe.
