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. Running through August 3rd, this year's event is the largest edition to date, featuring an innovative exhibition hall centered on "integration and co-creation," vividly embodying the idea of beauty in diversity and harmony through mutual appreciation.
At the main venue, the Shihezi Convention and Exhibition Center, six 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." Together, they offer a diverse range of experiences, including Chaoshan Yingge dance, Xinjiang Muqam, heritage food tastings, XR digital experiences, and interactive educational activities.
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, helping move intangible cultural heritage presentation beyond short-term exhibitions toward sustained transmission.
Using intangible cultural heritage as a bridge, the event promotes 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 intangible cultural heritage. The exhibition brings together more than 650 representative intangible cultural heritage items and is expected to receive 200,000 visits.
