Visitors experience intangible cultural heritage in Hangzhou, Zhejiang province. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Zhejiang province is now home to 271 national intangible cultural heritage inheritors, the highest in the country, with the Ministry of Culture and Tourism recently announcing the sixth batch of these inheritors.

These inheritors are safeguarding centuries-old knowledge and craftsmanship. Their expertise spans all 10 official categories, reflecting Zhejiang's deep-rooted traditions.

According to the Zhejiang Provincial Department of Culture, Radio, Television, and Tourism, the province has adhered to the principle of "protection first, rescue as a priority, reasonable utilization, and dynamic inheritance".

This commitment has been backed by comprehensive policies and legislative measures to support, incentivize, and regulate the work of inheritors.

In recent years, Zhejiang has introduced funding initiatives to subsidize intangible cultural heritage workshops, expand training programs, and strengthen mentorship networks, ensuring that these time-honored traditions do not fade with time.