Experience Chinese Culture with Smart Ladies: Inside Beijing Eight Imperial Handicrafts Museum

By Junye Zhang and Gu Siyu

Welcome to today’s program, part of the “Experience Chinese Culture with Smart Ladies” series organized by the Beijing Women’s Federation. This series delves into the captivating world of China’s intangible cultural heritage while shining a spotlight on the female entrepreneurs and artisans who play a vital role in its preservation and promotion.

Today’s livestream takes viewers to the Beijing Eight Imperial Handicrafts Museum, situated in the Moshikou area of Shijingshan District. Housed in the thousand-year-old Cheng’en Temple, the museum is a perfect blend of imperial architectural grandeur and the intricate artistry of the Beijing Eight Imperial Handicrafts.

The “Beijing Eight Imperial Handicrafts,” originating from the Qing Imperial Workshop, encompass gold lacquer inlay, filigree inlay, cloisonné, ivory carving, jade carving, carved lacquerware, Beijing embroidery, and palace carpets. Each craft is recognized as a national intangible cultural heritage, highlighting Beijing’s rich cultural legacy and its historical significance.

In this episode, Ms. Yang Ning, Vice-Director of the Beijing Eight Imperial Handicrafts Museum, will share her insights into these traditional crafts, her journey in establishing the museum, and her dedication to safeguarding and promoting China’s invaluable intangible cultural heritage.