Hainan Brings Intangible Cultural Heritage to Everyday Life With New Weekend Program
Hainan has officially launched the “Weekend Intangible Cultural Heritage Revitalization” series, a province-wide program designed to bring traditional culture into modern, everyday settings. The initiative which began at the end of 2025 will run through May 2026.
Rather than limiting intangible cultural heritage to festivals or formal exhibitions, the program places activities in relaxed weekend environments. Through hands-on workshops and interactive events, both residents and visitors are invited to experience Hainan’s living traditions in a way that feels natural and accessible.
The series is organized into three stages: “First Encounter · Fun Experiences,” “Deep Appreciation · Creative Vitality,” and “Achievements · Shared Inheritance.” Together, they guide participants from initial exposure to deeper engagement and shared cultural exchange.
During the first stage, visitors can join workshops in traditional crafts such as coconut carving, Li ethnic rattan and grass weaving, and gray plaster sculpture, working directly with recognized heritage inheritors.
Later stages explore how traditional heritage connects with contemporary creativity. Projects such as Danzhou Diaosheng (调声), a traditional folk vocal art, will be presented alongside modern music and design elements.
The program is not limited to Haikou. Starting in 2026, activities will expand to Tunchang, Chengmai, and Ding’an, highlighting local traditions such as medicinal sachet making, Fushan coffee craftsmanship, and decorative color painting. Each location will offer a distinct cultural experience, forming a connected island-wide heritage network.
The first round of activities, scheduled for January 2026, will take place at public venues including the Hainan Provincial Cultural Center, Provincial Museum, and Provincial Library.
Participation requires advance registration through official channels, typically via the institutions’ WeChat public accounts or official websites. Limited on-site registration may be available for some workshops, but advance booking is strongly recommended.
To get the registration links, follow the official WeChat accounts of the Hainan Provincial Cultural Center (海南省文化馆), the Hainan Provincial Museum (海南省博物馆) and / or (海南省旅游和文化广电体育厅) the Hainan Provincial Tourism, Culture, Radio, Television and Sports Department, they will publish detailed schedules with registration forms.
Related article: China Post Releases 2026 Year of the Horse Zodiac Stamps
