The launch of the "Shanxi Intangible Cultural Heritage Blue Book: Shanxi Intangible Cultural Heritage Protection and Development Report (2023-2024)" and the promotional meeting for the "Morning Star Plan" for intangible cultural heritage (ICH) projects in urgent need of protection were held on Nov 1 in North China's Shanxi province.

The report, released by Shanxi Intangible Cultural Heritage Research Institute, is significant in the province's ICH protection efforts. The newly published blue book consists of four main sections: an annual report, research on ICH protection and inheritance, research on ICH innovation and utilization, and views from ICH inheritors.

The report summarizes the dynamic trends, positive outcomes, and challenges during Shanxi's ICH protection and inheritance efforts from 2023 to 2024. It provides specialized research on Shanxi's ICH tourism experience sites, ICH life data, provincial-level representative ICH inheritors, and the development of ICH projects urgently needing protection.

This year's blue book further highlights the combination of special research and free topics and the collaboration between the government, universities, and ICH authorities. The team of authors has expanded to include experts and scholars from various domestic universities and frontline personnel in ICH protection work.

Earlier this year, the Culture and Tourism Department of Shanxi Province initiated the "Morning Star Plan" pilot project for ICH projects urgently needing protection. Along with the formulation of specialized protection plans, some projects were selected as pilot programs for in-depth investigation and research.

Shanxi will continue strengthening multi-party cooperation and utilizing modern technology and innovative methods to achieve dynamic ICH inheritance and development.