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. The event, which runs through August 3, is the largest edition to date, featuring an innovative exhibition hall centered on "integration and co-creation." This approach vividly embodies the idea of beauty in diversity and harmony through mutual appreciation, according to the organizers.
At the main venue, the Shihezi Convention and Exhibition Center, six thematic sections have been established: "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." These sections collectively offer a diverse range of experiences, including Chaoshan Yingge dance, Xinjiang Muqam, heritage food tastings, XR digital experiences, and interactive educational activities. The inclusion of such varied elements underscores the event's commitment to engaging visitors with the richness of intangible cultural heritage.
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. This strategic move aims to move intangible cultural heritage presentation beyond short-term exhibitions toward sustained transmission, ensuring that these cultural treasures remain accessible to the public long after the event concludes.
The exhibition serves as a bridge to promote 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 these traditions. This collaborative spirit is central to the event's mission, as highlighted by the organizers.
This year's exhibition brings together more than 650 representative intangible cultural heritage items, making it the largest gathering of its kind in the region. Organizers expect the event to receive 200,000 visits, reflecting the growing public interest in cultural heritage preservation. The significance of this exhibition lies not only in its scale but also in its potential to foster cross-cultural understanding and ensure the continuity of intangible cultural heritage for future generations.
