A stall featuring intangible cultural heritage products, particularly hand-made cloth tigers, attracted a crowd of visitors in a scenic area of Licheng county, in North China’s Shanxi Province. The Lihou Tiger, recognized as a national intangible cultural heritage, has its origins in the Shang and Zhou dynasties (1600BC-256BC), where tigers were used as totems. Over time, this tradition has evolved, incorporating elements of storytelling, straw weaving, embroidery, paper-cutting, calligraphy, and painting. Li Linyu, a shopping guide at the stall, explained that the Lihou Tiger carries cultural connotations of blessings, protection of the house, and wealth creation.
The burgeoning tourism sector in China has breathed new life into the promotion, inheritance, and development of intangible cultural heritage. Li Xiaomei, a provincial-level inheritor of the Lihou Tiger, shared that many tourists sought to learn about the Lihou Tiger after seeing it in scenic areas, leading her intangible cultural heritage studio to become a popular destination for visitors.
China is home to over 100,000 representative items of intangible cultural heritage across all levels. Of these, 1,557 are recognized as national intangible cultural heritage items, and 43 have been inscribed on the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage List. The integration of tourism and heritage has received strong support from the national government. The country’s 14th five-year plan for protecting intangible cultural heritage includes the development of experience bases and scenic spots characterized by intangible cultural heritage.
The Lihou Tiger is a perfect example of the potential benefits of this integration. The increased interest from tourists not only helps preserve and promote this traditional art form but also contributes to the local economy by attracting visitors to the area. This mutually beneficial relationship between tourism and cultural heritage preservation is an essential component of sustainable development. It ensures that future generations can appreciate the cultural heritage while also supporting economic growth.
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