Guangdong selects new intangible cultural heritage

Lions and dragons are classic symbols of celebration in China. But you might not know about another auspicious animal used in festivities in southern China. The animal, and the dance that usually accompanies it, has now made its way onto the local list of Intangible Cultural Heritages.

The Qilin is a hooved, dragon-like mythical creature. The animal has been chosen as one of four items from the city of Shenzhen to be inscribed onto the Guangdong provincial intangible cultural heritage list.

The Qilin dance originated in Shanxi's Buddhist Wutai mountain 300 years ago and is performed today to usher in the new, in the hope of favourable weather and a bountiful harvest next year. 25 items from Shenzhen are included on the provincial list, including the skills of making bamboo hats, and a local folk custom of worshipping ancestors.