Qijiang embraces tradition to improve economy
China DailyA lantern-adorned alley in Dongxi Ancient Town in Chongqing's Qijiang district. Huang Xiaobo, a farmer in Dongxi with a family tradition of woodcarving, has applied for intangible cultural heritage status for "Huang's Woodcarving". Bamboo-woven dustpans, a common farming tool in local areas, is also a tradition that has been handed down over hundreds of years, and the local people have combined it with salt transport pier culture to develop the Dongxi Intangible Cultural Heritage Dustpan Feast, which has become an instant hit among tourists. "Cultural vitalization is one key aspect for rural vitalization," Huang said, noting that combining rural traditions and historical culture with people's daily needs can not only help preserve and develop rural culture, but also promote rural economic development and increase farmers' incomes. In Dongxi alone, there are currently 16 municipal and district-level preserved intangible cultural heritage items, as well as over 200 municipal and district-level cultural relics, Huang said.