Vice-Minister of Culture Zhou Heping revealed at a State Council Information Office news conference in Beijing yesterday that a Uygur musical form will be recommended for UNESCO intangible cultural heritage status.

UNESCO is due to announce new additions to its list in November, and China will nominate Mukam, a type of music from Xinjiang that dates back to the 15th century and features narrative and dance music created by the ancient Uygur people.

If successful, Mukam will join Guqin music and Kunqu Opera on the global list, which currently numbers 47 items. Additions are made every two years and each country is permitted to nominate one each time.

UNESCO defines intangible cultural heritage as "the practices, representations, expressions, as well as the knowledge and skills, that communities, groups and, in some cases, individuals recognize as part of their cultural heritage."

Other Chinese practices seeking nomination in two years' time are traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), Shaolin kung fu and tai chi.

Zhou said China will also conduct a nationwide survey this year to collect data on the kinds, numbers and distribution of intangible heritage in the country.

He said the government attaches great importance to protecting intangible heritage, and that China "boasts 56 ethnic groups who have contributed immensely to the rich and diverse culture crystallized in Chinese civilization."

(China Daily April 27, 2005)