Intangible cultural heritage is a precious treasure of the Chinese nation and an important source of cultural confidence. As the core region of the Silk Road, Xinjiang has nurtured a rich and diverse array of intangible cultural heritage.

The melodious tunes of Twelve Muqam, the majestic chants of Manas Epic, the vast artistic conception of Long Tune Folk Songs, the intellectual exchanges of Aken Aytes... These precious cultural treasures carry the historical memories and spiritual pursuits of all ethnic groups.

Today, as modernization accelerates, the inheritance of intangible cultural heritage faces unprecedented challenges. Issues such as young people leaving for migrant work, changes in traditional lifestyles, and the aging of inheritors have put many precious ICH skills at risk of being lost.

However, we also see hope. More and more young people are beginning to rediscover and love their ethnic cultures, governments at all levels and social organizations are increasing protection efforts, and digital technology offers new possibilities for the dissemination of intangible cultural heritage.

In the spring and summer of 2026, we embarked on a three-month field research journey, visiting ICH inheritors of four ethnic groups across Xinjiang.

In the old city of Kashgar, we met 72-year-old Ahmet Tursun, an inheritor of Twelve Muqam. Every morning, he would arrive at his courtyard, tune his Dutar, and begin his daily practice. "Muqam has 12 suites, each one needs to be practiced. It takes 5-6 hours a day," the elder said. "If I don't practice, my hands get rusty and I forget the tunes."

In Kizilsu Kyrgyz Autonomous Prefecture, we were fortunate to hear 85-year-old Jusup Mamai recite the Manas Epic. Although advanced in years, the moment the elder opened his mouth, his powerful and resonant voice still moved hearts. "I started learning Manas at 8, and I've been singing it for 77 years now," the elder told us. "Fewer and fewer people can sing the entire epic completely."

On the grasslands of Bayingolin Mongolian Autonomous Prefecture, Mongolian singer Bater sang Long Tune for us. The melodious and high-pitched singing seemed to transport us to the vast grasslands. "Long Tune is the voice of the grasslands," Bater said. "I hope it continues to echo across the land."

In Ili Kazakh Autonomous Prefecture, we witnessed a wonderful Aken Aytes duet competition. Two akyns improvised, responding to each other with witty verses, drawing continuous applause from the audience.

The key to ICH inheritance lies in people, and the hope lies in the youth. In recent years, various regions have launched diverse ICH-in-schools activities, allowing young people to experience and understand ICH culture up close.

At a middle school in Urumqi, Twelve Muqam has become a required part of the school curriculum. Twice a week, students learn about the history and musical characteristics of Muqam, and try playing simple pieces. "At first I thought it was difficult, but gradually I fell in love with this ancient music," said Xiao Ming, a second-year student.

In the Kashgar region, a youth ICH study base has been established, regularly organizing students to visit ICH workshops, experience traditional handicraft making, and communicate face-to-face with inheritors. "Letting children do it with their own hands is more meaningful than just listening to lectures," the base director explained.

Universities are also taking action. Xinjiang University has opened ICH research-related majors to cultivate specialized research and protection talents. Meanwhile, university volunteer teams go deep into rural areas, helping inheritors record and organize oral histories and build digital archives.

"Seeing so many young people willing to learn and inherit our culture makes me very gratified," said Ahmet Tursun with emotion. "With them, Muqam will not be lost."