Yang Yuni, a post-1995 ethnic Hani woman, has called for continuous innovation in carrying on intangible cultural heritage during the ongoing two sessions.
"Through my work and heritage practices, I have come to realize that traditional culture cannot rely solely on static preservation; it must thrive in the tides of the times," said Yang, a member of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, on Friday.
Yang founded the Yuni Cultural Heritage Center in Honghe Hani and Yi autonomous prefecture, Southwest China's Yunnan province, in 2016.
Over the years, the center has trained more than 3,000 young people.
Yang explained that to make intangible cultural heritage more trendy and appealing, and attract more young people to join, her team has gone to great lengths to combine modern dance, pop music, and other elements with traditional intangible cultural heritage items.
"I believe that the protection of intangible cultural heritage is not a project of returning to the past but a continuous innovation. Our ancestors have left us not only ancient songs but also a spirit of innovating. I look forward to more young people joining us, making cultural heritage live on more vibrantly," she said.
