Sources from Paris say that the oldest opera tradition of China - Kun Melody was rewarded one of "masterpieces of the oral and non-substantial heritage of humanity" by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) on May 18.

Zhang Xuezhong, Chinese representative to UNESCO, received the honor certificate on behalf of the Chinese government.

It's the first time that UNESCO began to give this award and will be given every two years in terms of the work's cultural value and its present situation under protection.

The Chinese Kun Melodic Opera and other masterpieces from 19 countries including those from Italy and India were sorted out from among 36 shortlists by the international appraisal committee, which is grouped by 18 authorities in the name of all regions throughout the world.

(People’s Daily 05/21/2001)