A forum on the inheritance and development of China's folk arts and crafts was held in Huafang Jinling International Hotel in Zhangjiagang, Jiangsu province, on Nov 15. Scholars and experts attended to share their insights on folk craft transmission.

The preservation of intangible cultural heritages is now a hot topic among the public, which highlights the new energy of traditional folk crafts by integrating intangible cultural heritages with culture and tourism. According to Zhang Shishan, deputy director of the Institute for Cultural Heritage of Shandong University, the cultural heritage protection shall attach more importance to the social benefits of cultural heritages because folk arts and performances can enrich people's spiritual and cultural life, apart from bringing economic benefits.

Wang Jinqiang, director of the Institute for Chinese Folk Arts, made a keynote speech during the forum to call for joint efforts to protect folk arts and boost the innovation of folk crafts. He also noted that inheritors should focus on the preservation of the spirit and art form of folk crafts, instead of the materials.

Tao Siyan, president of the Yangtze River Culture Promotion Society, stressed the importance of inheritors who play a key role in transmitting the folk arts. He suggested that government officials launch proper incentive policies to encourage the younger generation to learn folk crafts.