On Thursday, December 10, 2025, UNESCO officially added the Hezhen Yimakan storytelling tradition from the Chinese mainland to its Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
Why it matters: This vibrant oral art, a unique folklore of the Hezhen people in Heilongjiang, was first recognized in 2011 on UNESCO's List of Intangible Cultural Heritage in Need of Urgent Safeguarding. Now, it's taken a major step forward. 💪
What is Yimakan? Think of it like a live podcast or audio story—masters weave legends with rhythm, music, and expressive narration. It's a treasure chest of language, history, and community memory.
For young creatives across South Asia and Southeast Asia, it's a reminder of the power of storytelling in preserving identity and inspiring new art. Imagine blending Yimakan beats into your digital projects—creativity unlocked! 🎨
This UNESCO nod not only boosts pride for the Hezhen community but also sparks a global chat about using tech and social media to keep intangible cultures alive.
Stay tuned for more culture-meets-tech updates, and keep sharing the stories that shape our world! ✨
Reference(s):
China's Hezhen Yimakan storytelling added to UNESCO intangible cultural heritage list
cgtn.com
