Intangible Cultural Heritage in Contemporary China: The participation of local communities (Routledge Contemporary China Series)

"This edited book examines the significance of intangible cultural heritage to local communities and the state in Hong Kong and China. Through ethnographic studies, the various chapters in this edited book argue for the role of the local community in the creation and conservation of the intangible cultural heritage and traditions. Irrespective of whether they are selected and listed as regional, national or UNESO intangible cultural heritage, they are part of the living traditions unique to that particular local community. This edited book argues that there are threefold significance of intangible cultural heritage to the local community and the state. First, intangible cultural heritage is seen as a social prestige. Second, it acts as socio-cultural and economic capital for members of the community to tap into to ensure socio-cultural and economic sustainability of the community. Finally, the intangible cultural heritage serves as a depository of the collective memories of the community, linking the past to the present and the future"...Provided by publisher Cover -- Title -- Copyright -- Contents -- List of figures and table -- Preface -- Contributors -- 1 Intangible cultural heritage in contemporary China and Hong Kong: an introductory overview -- 2 Heritagizing lifestyle in Hong Kong: social capital and cultural memories of the Tai O fishing community -- 3 Cheung Chau Bun Festival: durability of an intangible cultural heritage in contemporary Hong Kong -- 4 Hong Kong's urban Earth God shrines: an evolving intangible tradition in a modern urban setting -- 5 Song Ning drum ritual: practice memory of the Buyi people