A dozen intangible cultural heritage performances were staged at the 2023 intangible cultural heritage brand summit in Guangzhou to highlight cultural preservation.

Hundreds of representatives and inheritors from all across China participated in the event, showcasing their skills and craftsmanship in their particular genre of intangible cultural heritage.

Co-hosted by China's Ministry of Culture and Tourism and the Guangdong provincial government, the summit aims to protect and develop China's intangible cultural heritage and traditional brand names.

One of the highlights of the summit was the Yingge dance performance. The exaggerated makeup and brightly colored costumes transformed the actors into swaggering heroes.

Yingge dance, also known as the "Dance of the Heroes," is a traditional folk dance from southeast China. The dance is based on a story about the heroes of Liangshan who attacked the Daming Mansion during the Song Dynasty (960-1279).

A dragon dance performance also grabbed the attention of many visitors. The dragon dance is most often seen during festive celebrations in China and in Chinese communities around the globe. Dancers simulate the imagined movements of the fast-flowing river, adding to the drama of the show.

Interactive zones were another attraction at the summit that lured many visitors. Multiple zones and marketplaces were set up to showcase local cuisine, costumes from the Han (202BC - 220AD) and Tang (618-907) dynasties, and even small theaters playing traditional drama performances, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in Chinese culture.

Running from March 23 to 25, the 2023 intangible cultural heritage brand summit also features forums and business meetings to boost cooperation and further develop intangible cultural heritage brands.

So far, the State Council has released five lists that cover 1,557 national intangible cultural heritage items, including martial arts, singing and dancing performances, handicrafts, foods and other forms of artistry.