Wang Xiaofeng, Chairman of the China Intangible Cultural Heritage Protection Association (CICHPA); and Li Xiaosong, Deputy Director of the Department of Intangible Cultural Heritage, Ministry of Culture and Tourism (MCT) led a team to Jingzhou for a survey from July 29 to 31, and attended the Inaugural Conference of the Lacquer Art Committee of CICHPA held in Jingzhou on July 30. Present were Li Shuyong, Secretary of the CPC Leadership Group and Director of the Department of Culture and Tourism of Hubei Province; and Wu Jin, Secretary of the CPC Jingzhou Municipal Committee. 

At the conference, Wang announced the inauguration of the CICHPA Lacquer Art Committee. He noted that the committee should position itself accurately, implement the plans and arrangements of the CPC Leadership Group of MCT for the systematic protection of intangible cultural heritage, provide public and professional services, further carry forward longstanding and profound lacquer art culture, keep expanding the development space of lacquer art in the contemporary society, and create a display window, linking bond, exchange platform and cooperation stage for the inheritance and development of Chinese lacquer art.

Li extended warm congratulations on the inauguration of the committee. She noted that Hubei has deep roots for cultural development, as well as exceptional conditions for the inheritance and development of Chinese lacquer art. Guided by the Department of Intangible Cultural Heritage, MCT and CICHPA, the committee will implement the requirements of creative transformation and innovative development, integrate brilliant lacquer processes into modern life, and become a cultural symbol of inheriting tradition, carrying forward culture, keeping to the right path, making innovations and pursuing fashion.

Wu noted that exquisite Chu-style lacquerware is an important pillar for Chu culture and Chu lacquer art is an intangible cultural heritage item handing down for thousands of years. With the inauguration of the committee as an opportunity, Jingzhou will strengthen the development of the lacquer art ecosystem, including lacquer culture communication, lacquer life cultivation, and lacquer art appreciation and promotion, and create more outstanding lacquer works, so as to add a brilliant symbol to the brand of "Touring Jingzhou Ancient City, Experiencing Jingchu Charm", and make Chu lacquer art unleash new splendor in protection and inheritance.

The chairman, vice chairmen, secretary-general and executive council members of the committee were elected at the conference. Zhou Jianshi was elected as Chairman. Following the conference, the attendees visited Jingchu Institute of Intangible Cultural Heritage Inheritance.

During their stay in Jingzhou, the leaders also attended the opening ceremony of the training offered by CICHPA, gave lectures, and surveyed the national intangible cultural heritage item--Mashan folk songs, the provincial intangible cultural heritage item--Yingcheng clay pottery, Jingzhou Traditional Craft Workstation, Innovation and Development Hall of Ji'nan Eco-Culture & Tourism Area and Jingzhou Ancient City Historical & Cultural Tourism Area.