Discover 2026 "Xinjiang, A Land of Wonders": Inside the Record-Breaking Intangible Cultural Heritage Exhibition

Cultural heritage comes alive when traditions intersect! On July 30, 2026, the grand opening of the 2026 "Xinjiang, A Land of Wonders" themed exhibition supporting Xinjiang through intangible cultural heritage officially kicked off in Shihezi City, Xinjiang.

Discover 2026 "Xinjiang, A Land of Wonders": Inside the Record-Breaking Intangible Cultural Heritage Exhibition

Running through August 3rd, this year’s event marks the largest edition to date. Designed around the theme of "integration and co-creation," the exhibition hall vividly showcases the concept of beauty in diversity, fostering unity and mutual appreciation through living culture and art.

Whether you are a lover of traditional performing arts, food, or modern technology, here is your ultimate guide to what makes this year's exhibition an unforgettable experience.

What’s On at the Main Venue: Shihezi Convention and Exhibition Center

Bringing together over 650 representative intangible cultural heritage items, the main venue at the Shihezi Convention and Exhibition Center features six uniquely curated immersive sections:

1. Intangible Heritage: Music and Dance

Experience dynamic cultural performances up close, from the energetic Chaoshan Yingge dance to the soulful melodies of Xinjiang Muqam and traditional Chinese opera.

2. Intangible Heritage: A Feast of Local Flavors

Take your taste buds on a culinary journey across China with authentic heritage food tastings and traditional recipes passed down through generations.

3. Intangible Heritage: Technology and Innovation

Discover how tradition meets modernity. High-tech XR (Extended Reality) digital experiences bring ancient crafts and folklore into the modern era.

4. Intangible Heritage: Learning and Transmission

Engage with hands-on educational activities led by master artisans dedicated to passing down ancient skills to the next generation.

5. Intangible Heritage: Cultural and Creative Market

Browse handcrafted goods, unique artisan crafts, and creative souvenirs designed by heritage practitioners.

6. Intangible Heritage in Poetry

An interactive exhibition combining literature, poetry, and performance art for a multi-sensory cultural deep dive.

Long-Term Impact: The Sub-Venue at Bayi Sugar Factory

While the main exhibition runs for five days, the event is taking major steps toward long-term cultural sustainability.

At the sub-venue—the Bayi Sugar Factory Cultural and Creative District—seven renowned intangible cultural heritage items (including the exquisite Nanjing Yunjin brocade and Hainan Li brocade) will be permanently featured. This initiative transforms short-term festival displays into a continuous, year-round platform for cultural preservation and transmission.

Building Bridges Through Heritage and Art

Beyond the spectacle, the 2026 exhibition serves as a powerful bridge for national interaction and exchange. By bringing together artisans and practitioners from across the country, the event encourages collaboration, mutual learning, and the revitalizing of traditional crafts.

With over 200,000 visitors expected to attend before August 3rd, the "Xinjiang, A Land of Wonders" exhibition highlights how shared heritage can unite communities and breathe fresh vitality into ancient traditions.

Event Summary at a Glance:

Event: 2026 "Xinjiang, A Land of Wonders" Intangible Cultural Heritage Exhibition

Dates: July 30 – August 3, 2026

Main Location: Shihezi Convention and Exhibition Center, Shihezi City, Xinjiang

Sub-Venue: Bayi Sugar Factory Cultural and Creative District