Today is China's Cultural and Natural Heritage Day, which was established in 2006.

It aims to promote better awareness of heritage protection among the public. A series of events are being held across China to mark this day, including exhibitions, performances and even lectures on national and regional cultures. But the biggest celebration this year is taking place in south China's city of Guangzhou. CGTN reporter Omar Khan brings us this story.

Just a day after Dragon Boat celebrations, Guangzhou is still in a festive mood as Cultural & Natural Heritage Day gets underway, China's forty cultural practices and expressions of intangible heritage, listed by UNESCO, are on display here in south China. And it's the first time all 40 inscribed elements are being showcased at the same time.

YAN BING NATIONAL FIRST-CLASS DIRECTOR "Chinese culture needs its own image, especially on the global stage. More people need to understand China. Therefore, bringing together these elements is the beginning to this process. In the future, we'll have more cultural projects for the world to see."

This year's events are being welcomed with an opening ceremony, alongside various performances, exhibitions and forums. Unique to Guangzhou is that the city is marking the 10th anniversary of the Cantonese Opera being added to the UNESCO list. Also known as YueJu Opera, the southern performance style distinguishes itself from other regional shows in a variety of ways.

YAN BING NATIONAL FIRST-CLASS DIRECTOR "Cantonese Opera has always been evolving. For the past 100 years, it has absorbed other forms of opera and drama, making itself more attractive and profound. At this year's event, we'll showcase two styles of the YueJu Opera."

But aside from taking in the marvels of Chinese calligraphy, opera performances or paper-cutting, the festival is really an opportunity for some to learn a little bit more about where they come from.

LIN XINYU MEMBER, CHINESE FOLK LITERATURE & ART ASSOCIATION "Intangible cultural heritage is a precious legacy handed down from generation to generation. It also acts as our spiritual wealth. It's not only our duty to protect it, but also our duty to inherit it."

JIANG HE PHD CANDIDATE, TOKYO METROPOLITAN UNIVERSITY "I think events like this are needed, because some of us may not know a lot about our own traditions and cultures. If Chinese people can't understand these aspects, it will be difficult to introduce our heritage to our foreign friends and the rest of the world."

OMAR KHAN GUANGZHOU, GUANGDONG PROVINCE "For most, this long weekend is a great chance to stay at home, escape city life and relax. But for those people here, it's a chance to learn more about their culture, and see what's being showcased from all across China. But most importantly, is actually seeing how their culture, traditions and practices, are being preserved. Omar Khan, CGTN, Guangzhou."