Glamors of intangible cultural heritage add luster to ethnic minorities games

Glamors of intangible cultural heritage have added luster to the ongoing 12th National Traditional Games of Ethnic Minorities of China held in Sanya City of south China's Hainan Province, turning the event into an unique platform displaying unique cultural legacy.

Organizers of the games have set up a block dedicated to intangible cultural heritage, highlighting Hainan's traditional culture while showcasing the unique cultural legacy of various ethnic groups.   One of the highlights of the block is the exhibition of traditional textile dyeing and embroidery skills of the local Li ethnic group, showcasing beautiful craftsmanship, vibrant colors and exquisite designs.   Elements of Li brocade are ubiquitous throughout the games, including in the opening ceremony and in the design of the mascot, "Ji Bei".

Another attraction for tourists is an ancient pottery-making technique practiced by Li ethnic group, where visitors make hands-on involvement under the guidance of intangible cultural heritage inheritors. This traditional pottery-making method, unique to the Li ethnic group in Sanya, employs ancient techniques to create beautiful handcrafted pottery.

"I am making the mascot for this sports event, Ji Bei," said Hong Yuan, a volunteer for the sports event, while shaping the pottery.  

Performances showcasing local intangible cultural heritage were also staged, providing athletes with a memorable experience.

"It's very novel. All these intangible cultural heritage items of various ethnic groups are intriguing and never seen before. I think it's not just a sports event; it seems more like an  bridge connecting different ethnic groups,"said He Kerong, an athlete.   The games opened on Friday and will run through Nov 30, with approximately 10,000 athletes from 29 delegations from all over China competing in 149 events under 18 sports and 170 exhibition events.   Unlike traditional sporting events, the games feature competitions rooted in traditional customs and the daily life of people from different ethnic groups in China.

Glamors of intangible cultural heritage add luster to ethnic minorities games

China remains the most important part of Apple's supply chain, said the company's CEO Tim Cook on Friday.

Cook made the remarks ahead of his meeting with Ren Hongbin, chairman of the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT) in Beijing.

"It remains the most important part of our supply chain," he said.

Cook said that the CCPIT has always been Apple's crucial partner.

"We're so happy to reengage and talk about moving forward and the opportunities in front of both of us," said Cook.

The CEO reaffirmed the importance of China and expressed willingness to visit China again in the future.

Cook embarked on his first visit to China this year, earlier this month, the latest of his many trips to the country in recent years, as a testament to Apple's close ties with the Chinese market.

His Beijing trip followed a visit to Chengdu, capital of southwest China's Sichuan Province, earlier this week. Cook is expected to attend the China Development Forum 2026, scheduled to be held in Beijing on March 22-23.

China remains most important part of Apple's supply chain: Tim Cook