What intricate skills can a master of the elusive yet captivating "diabolo" demonstrate? When the ancient rhythms of Peking Opera blend with the modern tones of a symphony orchestra, what kind of magic unfolds? What hidden uses lie within the iron rings on the drums of the Western Beijing Taiping Drum? How do glazed roof tiles, crafted from raw clay, manage to retain their luster and grace after centuries of weathering? And in the meticulous art of cloisonné, which step truly tests a craftsman's skill?

Beijing, steeped in history and rich in heritage, proudly holds 144 national-level and 303 city-level intangible cultural heritage projects. Among these, 13 are recognized by UNESCO as part of the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Beijing's heritage, known for its longstanding history, diverse influences, and appeal to all, has long served as a cultural emblem of China.

The Beijing chapter of China in Intangible Heritage, a large-scale cultural program co-produced by China Media Group and the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, will premiere at 8:00 PM on October 26 on CCTV-1, with exclusive online streaming on the CCTV Video app.

This episode was filmed in various Beijing locales, including the JinyuLiuli Cultural and Creative Industrial Park, Cuandixia Village, and Hongshuikou Village in Mentougou District. Host Long Yang from China Media Group joins Shan Jixiang, Director of the Expert Committee of the China Cultural Relics Society and the Academic Committee of the Palace Museum, and actor Yang Xuwen to explore over 30 unique intangible cultural heritage projects. Through hands-on experiences, cultural insights, and performance showcases, the program reveals the skill and dedication behind these arts and offers a glimpse into the timeless charm and vibrancy of Beijing's cultural legacy.

Diabolo (Chinese Yo-Yo)

A mainstay of Beijing's street scenes, the diabolo, with its whirling movement and cheerful hum, is an important cultural symbol of the city. Its sound joins pigeon whistles and street vendor calls to form the "Three Sounds of Beijing.”

Beijing diabolo stands out for its many styles, complex craftsmanship, and variety of tricks. Traditional bamboo and wood diabolos require an 11-step production process. Signature tricks like the "Dragon Dance,”"Four on a String,” and "High-Pole Diabolo” showcase the unique flair and playfulness of diabolo performances, where each spin, sound, and rhythm add to its appeal.

As diabolo culture intertwines with modern life, materials have diversified, and designs have become more intricate. In collaboration with creative arts, new collectible models have emerged, such as mask-themed and Winter Olympics-themed diabolos, breathing new life into this heritage art. Today, the cheerful sounds of diabolos can be heard across Beijing's streets, parks, and squares.

Peking Opera

Peking Opera, a treasured gem of Chinese culture, holds deep historical and cultural significance. On stage, performers representing various roles convey the essence of human experience, while the art of singing, speaking, acting, and martial arts reveal the profound and nuanced nature of Chinese culture. Each melody—from the delicate style of the Mei school to the powerful tones of the Tan school—embodies a legacy shaped by time and an ongoing dialogue with the present.

Blending tradition with innovation, Peking Opera continues to evolve, exploring new dimensions through collaborations with symphony orchestras.

This fusion of ancient and modern highlights the art form's versatility and vibrancy, making it not only a showcase of art but also a vessel for cultural storytelling that shares China's rich narratives with the world.

Beijing Taiping Drum

The Beijing Taiping Drum combines sound and movement to convey emotion. In this performance, the drum serves both as a musical instrument and a dance prop. Dancers sway to the beat, left hand holding a ring, right hand striking the drum, creating a distinct rhythm and visual effect.

Over hundreds of years, various Taiping Drum styles have developed: the Gao style emphasizes formation changes, the Fan style integrates martial arts movements, and the Lu style features intricate hand movements.

Together, these masters uphold the essence of the Taiping Drum, renowned far beyond Beijing. The drum has been featured in major events, from the Beijing Olympics to the Asian Games, and has reached international audiences, captivating them with its distinct old Beijing charm.

Glazed Tile-Making

Glazed tiles, known for their vibrant colors and durability, are crafted through a traditional two-kiln firing method, a key part of the glazing process. The artisans must control the temperature precisely in both the bisque kiln and glaze kiln stages. Every step—from shaping, carving, and decorating to the final firing—requires a deep commitment to excellence.

While preserving traditional methods, today's craftsmen also incorporate modern technology and aesthetics, hosting events like AI-assisted dialogues between past and present, as well as educational activities, allowing glazed tile culture to resonate with new generations.

Once used as a royal building material, the glass has also been combined with modern elements in the form of "intangible heritage and cultural creation" to become a life-style glass handicraft flying into the homes of ordinary people.

Cloisonné

Cloisonné, known as one of the "Eight Great Treasures of Beijing”is celebrated for its intricate craftsmanship and artistic beauty. Each piece is crafted through a meticulous process: designing, molding, wire-filling, welding, glazing, firing, polishing, and gilding. Every detail demands precision and skill.

In 1952, the first restored cloisonné piece in New China, the "Dove of Peace" plate, was presented as a "national gift” to guests at the Asia-Pacific Peace Conference, symbolizing the nation's desire for global peace. Today, cloisonné craftsmanship has even extended to outer space, with the first cloisonné enamel watch designed for space use, leaving a mark of China's heritage in the cosmos.

Through vibrant innovation and dedicated preservation, cloisonné continues to thrive, embodying the depth and vitality of Chinese traditional culture in the hands of modern designers.

At 20:00 on October 26, CCTV Integrated Channel (CCTV-1), together with "China in Intangible Cultural Heritage", walked into Beijing to witness the continuity of the tradition and the new trend of Beijing intangible cultural heritage, and enjoy the continuous light of culture.