Zoige Hosts Cultural Heritage Programme Connecting Children with Traditional Tibetan Incense Craft

Dragon Media News Desk

A special summer programme has been organised in Zoige County, Sichuan Province of China, to introduce children to local intangible cultural heritage through hands-on learning and volunteer care activities.

Jointly organised by the Zoige County Women’s Federation and Hongxing Township, the programme, themed “Love Along the Yellow River, Dreams of Children,” brought together more than 40 participants, including members of the “Caring Parents” volunteer team and children receiving their support.

The programme was held at the Gyatso Tibetan Incense Intangible Cultural Heritage Workshop. Organisers said the initiative was designed to go beyond conventional assistance by allowing children to directly experience local culture, strengthen their attachment to their homeland and build greater confidence in their cultural heritage.

Gyatso, an inheritor of the traditional craft, introduced the children to the origins, historical development and cultural significance of Tibetan incense, as well as the traditional techniques used to make it from medicinal herbs.

He also explained the importance of protecting intangible cultural heritage in an accessible and engaging way. The children were then shown the different stages of incense production, including preparing and kneading the mixture, shaping incense sticks and forming them into different designs.

After observing the demonstrations, the children took part in making incense themselves. Organisers said the activity helped them learn traditional craftsmanship while also developing patience, concentration and creativity.

Children who produced particularly well-made incense received Tibetan incense shaped like the black-necked crane, a cultural symbol associated with the Yellow River region. The activity was intended to further encourage their interest in local traditions and strengthen their awareness of cultural identity.

The Zoige County Women’s Federation said it would continue expanding the “Caring Parents” child-support initiative by making greater use of local intangible cultural heritage and cultural tourism resources.

More diverse activities are planned during school holidays to support children’s healthy development while helping pass local cultural traditions to younger generations.