Shinan district in Qingdao has been working to better integrate the local intangible cultural heritage (ICH) items into modern times, as part of efforts to protect and develop local ICH items.

Statistics show that Shinan currently has 16 municipal-level ICH items, with eight at the provincial level, and one at the national level.

On this year's Cultural and Natural Heritage Day, Shinan district introduced six ICH-themed educational travel routes, aiming to offer an immersive experience for tourists to better understand the city's culture.

In addition, Shinan also integrated the Chinese solar terms and guqin, a seven-string traditional Chinese instrument, into jubensha－a role-playing murder mystery game that is popular among young people.

On the day of mangzhong, or Grain in Ear, the ninth of the 24 solar terms, jubensha players wore traditional Chinese clothing and solved the mystery while listening to guqin tunes.

"The guqin has created a more exciting ambience based on the script and strengthened our vicarious feeling during the game," said a player who participated in the event.

Since May, the local authorities have also displayed ICH items, such as block-print items, incense making and traditional Chinese massages in office buildings, to allow more young adults to learn about Shinan's ICH culture.

"ICH items are not only represent traditional culture, but should also be included in modern living," said Dong Ting, the curator of the Shinan district cultural center.

"Young people's interest and participation in the ICH activities is one of the best ways to make ICH items come back to life," Dong added.