UNESCO and the politics of culture

[r.(shaolin)]

After a high-profile PR campaign by Shi Yongxin to have Shaolin Kung Fu be
put on UNESCO's intangible heritage list the PRC has decided to hold off.
My guess is that the trademark issue has hit a few nerves and could potentionally create some negative waves internationally for the PRC.

http://english.sina.com/china/1/2005/0428/29336.html

What does "safeguarding" intangible cultural heritage mean?
Although there are many good intentions with this initiative, when you boil it down and get below the platitudes and motherhood statements, it is about political control of culture. This so called "safeguarding" is simply a tool for international legal control of culture by governments. You can be sure that the PRC will identify and define the various elements of "Shaolin kung-fu." This has to do with the adoption of legal measures aimed at groups that PRC/Shi Yongxin feels undermines his objectives in both national and international arenas. Consider the following which appeared in the Sun Shangwu (China Daily).

"He (Shi Yongxin) says more effort from the government is needed to put Shaolin kung fu on the UNESCO list.

He (Shi Yongxin) has submitted a proposal to the NPC session, asking the country's top legislature to consider a special law to protect (Shaolin Kungfu) ... ."

"Controversially, he also established a company (Henan Shaolin Temple Industrial Development Ltd. Co.) to protect intellectual property rights and prevent the abuse of the name Shaolin by companies seeking easy profits."

"Unsurprisingly, Shi (Shi Yongxin), . . .will not rest even if he gets UNESCO status or is handed a national culture-protection law."

He says he is willing to walk the earth to promote, (read this as, getting control of) Shaolin kung fu."

This is not about the use of the word 'Shaolin'for selling sausages etc. but rather about using the word "Shaolin" in reference to martial arts training. In the USA, as in most other countries in the world, the word "Shaolin" has already been trademarked for all products and services by Shi Yongxin. What he has not trademarked in the US, and Canada for that matter, is the exclusive use of Shaolin in relationship to martial arts training. I suspect the UNESCO list was to be the lever with which he planned to accomplish that. In Europe the trademark already includes martial arts training, but I believe this aspect of the Shaolin trademark in Europe can be still challenged successfully.

r.

[BM2]

First on his list is getting control of all forum names :)

[GeneChing]

So far, Shaolin's trademarking lawsuits are targeting schools and tours that are claiming to be actual representatives of the Songshan Shaolin Temple when they are not. We had a thread about legal action in SF (http://ezine.kungfumagazine.com/forum/showthread.php?t=35698) in one of these cases. It was kind of fascinating to see it play out. I think Shaolin should be able to control its name, but I'm not sure that trademarked is the best way to deal with it. We'll see.

[BlueTravesty]

I don't see why Shaolin shouldn't control how it's name is used. I mean, "Shaolin Brand" really shouldn't exist unless authorized by the temple.

Now who wants a Shaolin Sausage? :D

[Vasquez]

I agree shaolin in its traditional form should be preserved by UNISCO. so that students and tourist alike when they go to shaolin they can experience the original culture and hsitory. Too much has already been lost.

[GeneChing]

My greatest missed item in my collection of Shaolin curios is a Shaolin sausage wrapper. I had them. They were kind of like a long vienna sausage, but not quite as long as a hot dog. Very nasty tasting. I really should have kept the wrapper. I did keep a wrapper for Shaolin water. ;)

As for the name branding, it's very delicate. Surely, after some 1500 years, the term 'shaolin' has entered into the common vernacular worldwide. At the same time, a group of Shaolin disciples should not be able to tour the world claiming to represent the Shaolin Temple. Imagine if a bunch of fake tibetan monks toured around with some one claiming to be the Dalai Lama. Of course, you could argue that this is already happening with some of the PRC lamas, but let's not muddle the issue too much here. Where I find it the most challenging is where to draw the line. It becomes a measure of Shaolin-ness, and that's hard to determine.

[Vasquez]

My greatest missed item in my collection of Shaolin curios is a Shaolin sausage wrapper. I had them. They were kind of like a long vienna sausage, but not quite as long as a hot dog. Very nasty tasting. I really should have kept the wrapper. I did keep a wrapper for Shaolin water. ;)

As for the name branding, it's very delicate. Surely, after some 1500 years, the term 'shaolin' has entered into the common vernacular worldwide. At the same time, a group of Shaolin disciples should not be able to tour the world claiming to represent the Shaolin Temple. Imagine if a bunch of fake tibetan monks toured around with some one claiming to be the Dalai Lama. Of course, you could argue that this is already happening with some of the PRC lamas, but let's not muddle the issue too much here. Where I find it the most challenging is where to draw the line. It becomes a measure of Shaolin-ness, and that's hard to determine.

I disagree the concept of shaolin is very clear. Have you been to the shaolin temple and see those monks living in the traditional way of abstanence?

[GeneChing]

I disagree the concept of shaolin is very clear. Have you been to the shaolin temple and see those monks living in the traditional way of abstanence? Yeah, I've been to Shaolin. :rolleyes: You might check my archived work on Shaolin before you take your disagreement much further. You might check your history too, especially in regards to "Shaolin's traditional way of abstinence". (http://ezine.kungfumagazine.com/ezine/article.php?article=521)

[Vasquez]

Yeah, I've been to Shaolin. :rolleyes: You might check my archived work on Shaolin before you take your disagreement much further. You might check your history too, especially in regards to "Shaolin's traditional way of abstinence". (http://ezine.kungfumagazine.com/ezine/article.php?article=521)


I agree, it is devine calling when we are called to use our kung fu. MMA ppl say we are weak because we meditate and train forms. They say our training is unrealistic but I know we will be given strength when we need to use our kung fu as it is written.

[GeneChing]

I know we will be given strength when we need to use our kung fu as it is written. Written where? What are you talking about exactly? :confused:

[Vasquez]

Written where? What are you talking about exactly? :confused:

Its written in the article you attached as a link. The monk became strong when the god appeared to him during medation. It shows through medation we will become strong when we need to use our kung fu.

[GeneChing]

...since I'll be seeing him this week (http://ezine.kungfumagazine.com/forum/showthread.php?t=53389). I'm sure he's very happy about this one.

Shaolin Kung Fu to feature in UNESCO show in Paris (http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2009-03/17/content_11023607.htm)
www.chinaview.cn 2009-03-17 08:53:05

ZHENGZHOU, March 16 (Xinhua) -- Shaolin Kung Fu will be featured in a cultural event in Paris in May, the China News Service reported Monday.

Shaolin Kung Fu is a school of martial arts associated with the monks of the Shaolin Temple based in central China's Henan Province.

The event, held by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), will celebrate cultural diversity.

The cultural bureau of Zhengzhou City said the event would raise its global fame and perhaps help promote its bid to have Shaolin Kung Fu included on UNESCO's list of world intangible cultural heritage items.

In 2006, China's State Council (cabinet) published the first list of state-level intangible heritage items, including Shaolin Kung Fu.

Four items from China are already on the UNESCO list. They are the 500-year-old Kunqu Opera, known for its graceful movements and poetic lyrics; the 3,000-year-old guqin seven-string zither; the Twelve Mukams, a 12-part suite of ancient Uygur music, and Mongolian Pastoral Songs.

[David Jamieson]

whew, I thought that it was gonna effect Sil Lum kungfu practice! :p

not very zen to desire control of a brand now is it? :)

[GeneChing]

As I've always said, there's a ton of treasures on Songshan, not just Shaolin. Too bad. Maybe next time...

Mt Songshan fails to enter World Heritage list (http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2009-06/30/content_11623762.htm)
www.chinaview.cn 2009-06-30 08:14:28
by Yu Fei and Gui Juan

BEIJING, June 30 -- Songshan Mountain, one of "the five sacred mountains" in China, failed to enlist its historical architecture complex as world heritage sites.

In a result announced Friday at the 33rd World Heritage Convention held by the World Heritage Committee of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in Seville, southern Spain, the non-inclusion of Songshan Mountain disappointed many officials of the State Administration of Cultural Heritage (SACH).

"The great value of the historical architecture complex in Songshan Mountain is beyond question," said Shi Yongxin, Abbot of Shaolin Temple, "but there were some mistakes in the application procedures."

"The World Heritage Committee has decided to postpone the inscription of Songshan Mountain into the World Heritage List," said Tang Wei, director of the world heritage department of SACH.

Confusion caused by dual application of Songshan Mountain is the main reason for the postponement, stated the Administration overseeing China's cultural heritage in a press release.

The World Heritage Committee stipulates that a country must first put its cultural heritage sites on the tentative list before being nominated for inscription on the World Heritage List.

According to the World Heritage Tentative List, SACH submitted the application of the historical monuments of Songshan Mountain on March 28, 2008.

However, Songshan Mountain was also included in the application submitted by China's Ministry of Construction on April 7, 2008 that sought heritage status for "the five sacred mountains" as an extension of Mt Taishan, already declared a World Heritage site in 1987.

That caused confusion in the World Heritage Committee, revealed by SACH. Information about the latest application has yet to be accessed from the official website of the Ministry of Construction.

In China, SACH is responsible for applications for World Cultural Heritage whereas the Ministry of Construction takes care of applications for World Natural Heritage.

Furthermore, China recently had also applied for Wutai Mountain to become a mixed cultural and natural world heritage and the Buddhism shrine was successfully included in the List over the weekend but only as a cultural heritage site. Thus, Songshan Mountain, a similar type of cultural heritage as Wutai Mountain, faced an uphill task in getting inscription at the same time, stated the SACH press release.

"More documents and materials about Songshan Mountain are required by the World Heritage Committee for future application," said Tang.

Many officials with the Henan Cultural Heritage Bureau went silent over the result they had been waiting for till midnight Friday.

"We have spared no efforts for the last eight years to see Songshan Mountain inscribed on this esteemed List," said Chen Ailan, head of Henan Cultural Heritage Bureau, "but we can accept the result. The ultimate goal of the world heritage application is to better protect the heritage."

The experts have reviewed the cultural value of the Songshan Mountain ancient buildings during the bidding process. "And the public awareness of protecting those ancient buildings has been increased," Chen added.

Shaolin Temple, the most well-known site, seated in Songshan Mountain, was first built in 495 AD. Many more disciples went to Shaolin Temple following Bodhidharma's arrival in 527 AD. They learned Zen from Bodhiharma at the monastery, turning Shaolin into the origin of Zen in China.

Other ancient architectures and sites included in the world heritage bid are rarely known by the outside world. Yet they are no less valuable.

They include China's oldest observatory remains dating back to the early 13th century, the 1,500-year-old brick tower of Songyue Temple, the oldest remaining one of its kind in China, and three pairs of towers - Taishi, Shaoshi, and Qimu, the country's oldest existing ritual structures built in Han Dynasty (206 BC-220 AD).

"Songshan Mountain houses ancient architectures from different ages over the past 2,000 years, which is rarely seen around the world," said Guo Daiheng, a professor at the School of Architecture, Tsinghua University.

Explaining why ancient heritages have clustered in one area of no more than 4,000 hectares, Gong Songtao, deputy director of the Cultural Heritage Bureau of Dengfeng city, said "Songshan Mountain was regarded as the center of the world by ancient Chinese. Altogether 72 Chinese emperors in history have visited this place and offered sacrifices to Heaven."

"Different religious groups belonging to Confucianism, Buddhism and Taoism came to build their bases. The religious culture embodied by them has been constantly evolving with the times," said Gong.

Local government has earmarked a huge sum of money in the world heritage application. To map out the protection plan alone has cost more than 10 million yuan (1.5 million U.S. dollars), Gong said. But he didn't give the total sum.

China currently has 38 world heritages, including 27 cultural, seven natural and four mixed ones. The application has become increasingly hard for China during recent years as the World Heritage Committee tries to balance and diversify the heritage list. "The repeated application for Songshan Mountain by more than one department exposed the problem of too many authorities involved in the management of cultural heritage," said an official with the Cultural Heritage Bureau of Dengfeng city, on conditions of anonymity.

"A world heritage site means much more fame and cash, which unfortunately also leads to frictions among different departments," said the official.

The SACH hopes the string of ancient relics in Songshan Mountain would be inscribed into the World Heritage List as early as possible.

[GeneChing]

There's a vid - click the link.

Shaolin Kung Fu wows int'l audience (http://english.cctv.com/program/cultureexpress/20091224/101405.shtml)
2009-12-24 09:03 BJT

A world cultural event was held at the Headquarters of UNESCO in Paris on Sunday. Capturing the bulk of attention at the multi-cultural festival was a stunning display of Kung Fu presented by monks from the Shaolin Temple based in central China's Henan Province.

Twenty-seven warrior monks performed twenty-four styles of Shaolin Kung Fu, which is actually a collection of Chinese martial arts emphasizing fighting prowess, authentic technique, and self-defense. It also focuses on the harmony and quiescence of body and mind. Performing for more than an hour, warrior monks showcased their unique Kung Fu stunts, overwhelming an audience that regularly burst into cheers and applause.

An audience member said, "This is really awesome! It's so amazing! Both my son and I saw the show today, and my son has been practicing Chinese Kungfu here in France."

"I think the Kung Fu performance represents the fine tradition of Chinese culture and history. It is the essence of Chinese civilization, and it definitely should be well preserved and passed on from generation to generation," said an audience member.

Shaolin Kung Fu was among the first batch of cultural heritages from China to make it onto UNESCO's cultural heritage list. With a history of over 15-hundred years, Shaolin Kung Fu has been religiously practiced by Shaolin disciples over many generations.

Shi Yongxin, a Buddhist Abbot of the Shaolin Temple, says Shaolin Kung Fu represents compassion, peace, and justice. He adds he's glad to be invited by UNESCO to join such a multi-cultural event because it shows a recognition and appreciation for Chinese Kung Fu and Chinese culture.

[GeneChing]

This link just goes to a photo gallery. I kept the caption for some context.


Historical architecture of China's Songshan Mountain to bid for World Cultural Heritage (http://news.xinhuanet.com/english2010/culture/2010-03/10/c_13205303.htm)
English.news.cn 2010-03-10 17:22:13 FeedbackPrintRSS
This undated file photo shows the Zhongyue Temple on the east Songshan Mountain in central China's Henan Province. China has chosen Songshan Mountain's historical architecture complex as the only project to bid for the World Cultural Heritage in 2010. The architecture complex is composed of 11 traditional Chinese constructions, including the renowned Shaolin Temple. (Xinhua/Wang Song)

I asked Abbot Yongxin about the progress on this for our upcoming Shaolin Special 2010 (http://ezine.kungfumagazine.com/forum/showthread.php?t=56633). I always ask him about this.

[GeneChing]

And UNESCO blessed too. We got it. We finally got it.


China's Shaolin Temple Named to Unesco Cultural Heritage List (http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/g/a/2010/08/01/bloomberg1376-L6IFCI1A1I4H01-4E66KGLU94V83MDBKBKIUDC554.DTL)
Sunday, August 1, 2010

Aug. 2 (Bloomberg) -- Shaolin temple, the Buddhist monastery that's also the birthplace of Chinese Kung Fu, has been added to the United Nation's list of World Heritage Sites.

The UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization named historical monuments near Dengfeng city, including the Shaolin, to its list of heritage sites yesterday, according to a statement on the group's website.

Dengfeng is the 40th site in China to be added to the Unesco heritage list, which may help boost tourism to the city in Henan province. Local authorities had applied for the Unesco designation for nine years, Xinhua News Agency reported. China is also 'ready' to apply next year for West Lake in the eastern city of Hangzhou to be added, according to Xinhua.

The Dengfeng site in central China includes eight clusters of structures at the foot of the 1,500 meter-high Songshan mountain. In addition to Shaolin temple, the site also includes three Han Que gates, which are the remains of the oldest religious edifices in China, according to Unesco.

Unesco has named 910 locations to its World Heritage Sites list, which includes 704 cultural sites, 179 natural heritage sites and 27 mixed properties.

--Penny Peng in Beijing. Editors: John Liu, Eugene Tang.

NI.CHINA NI.FILM NI.BRIC NI EM NI GEN NI LEI NI CONS NI TRN

[GeneChing]

There's some great photos with this piece. Click the link.

The Center of Heaven and Earth (http://news.xinhuanet.com/english2010/china/2010-08/02/c_13426500.htm)
English.news.cn 2010-08-02 16:06:02

BEIJING, Aug. 2 (Xinhuanet) -- Shaolin Temple, the famed 1500-year-old cradle of Chinese Kung Fu and Zen Buddhism, is just one of the 11 ancient historical sites in Dengfeng of Henan Province added to UNESCO's list of World Heritage sites during its 34th session in Brazil Sunday morning (Beijing Time).

Also known as "The Center of Heaven and Earth," the collection of monuments is a kaliedescopic testimony to the history of the middle kingdom and its scientific, religious and cultural achievements, according to Lü Wei, the director of the World Heritage Office of Dengfeng.

"Dengfeng was considered the center of ancient China, and therefore it served as the capital and cultural center of many dynasties. Disciples of Confucianism, Buddhism and Taoism based here to advance their religious cultures. Because of this historical background and architectural significance of Dengfeng, we call it 'the center of Heaven and Earth,'" said Lü.

Among those listed is the Dengfeng Observatory, China's oldest and best preserved. Dating back to 13th century, the structure contains the remains of an astronomical observatory built in 1037 BC by the Duke of Zhou.

Other sites registered include the Songyang Academy (484 AD), the 1,500-year-old Pagoda of Songyue Temple as well as the country's oldest existing ritual structures; three pairs of towers (Taishi, Shaoshi, and Qimu) built during the Han Dynasty (206 BC- 220 AD)

"The historical monuments of Dengfeng have passed through so many dynasties. They have witnessed the architecture changes of middle China, have the longest history, are the most diversified in style and have the richest cultural significance," Lü added.

Since 2004, the Dengfeng government has been preparing their application for World Heritage status, and in the meantime carried out many protective measures, including site improvements and implementing a monitoring system as well as passing historical protection laws and regulations.

However, their first application attempt failed to qualify at the 33rd session of the World Heritage Committee in 2009.

Xiao Li, an officer with the World Heritage Department of the State Administration of Cultural Heritage (SACH), attributes the failure to mis-communication between two government agencies who simultaneously applied to UNESCO, SACH and the Ministry of Construction, for the same site.

Along with SACH, the ministry this year submitted the Danxia Landform, a grouping of six geological sites in southeast China, for Natural Heritage status.

"Beginning in 2005, countries can only submit one cultural heritage site and one natural site a year," said Xiao.

According to Cathy Nolar, press officer of UNESCO, registration is just the beginning of the process, as the sites on the list are under constant review.

"After that, the country takes responsibility for safeguarding it for future generations. By submitting a site for inscription, a country gives UNESCO and the international community the right to keep an eye on safeguarding efforts, and to have a say on how well they are carried out," said Nolar.

"It is true that inscribing a site attracts more attention to it, and this can be a threat to preserving fragile environments. But this is part of sharing unique cultural and natural sites with the rest of the world. National and local authorities have to find the balance between preserving their unique treasures and making them accessible, and they can get advice on doing that from UNESCO World Heritage Centre experts," she added.

Abbot of Shaolin Temple, Shi Yongxin, said that while the UNESCO decision is a privilege, it adds pressure and responsibility.

"For the monks, living in a world-recognized heritage site is a wonderful experience, but at the same time, our responsibility to protect the temple becomes even graver." he said.

Shi also promised ticket prices for Shaolin temple will remain the same, adding that a higher profile of the Shaolin Temple will heighten the public's awareness to better protect the site.

"It will also make Chinese culture better understood by the world." Shi said.

China has listed 39 world heritage sites, including 28 cultural heritage sites, seven natural heritage sites and four cultural and natural heritage sites.

A total of 32 new properties were submitted to the World Heritage List this year: six natural, 24 cultural and two mixed (both natural and cultural), including four transnational nominations.

Also in the running for a UNESCO heritage listing is the Danxia Landform, a collection of six mountain areas in southern China.

Danxia, literally means "red cloud" in Chinese, refers to the red colored sandstone that characterize the many steep cliffs of the landform's mountains. Formed in the Mesozoic Era (about 240 to 138 million BC), Danxia is also home to rare dinosaur and plant fossils.

The Danxia Landform mountain areas nominated include Langshan and Wanfoshan (Hunan Province), Danxiashan (Guangdong Province), Taining and Guanzhoushan (Fujian Province), Long-hushan and Guifeng (Jiangxi Province), Fangyan and Jianglangshan (Zhejiang Province).

These areas "comprehensively reflect the unique natural features of China's Danxia geomorphology, highlighting its unique ecosystem, biodiversity, and exceptional natural beauty," according to the official UNESCO website.

"The application process is quite difficult, but Danxia has its unique value, which should be included in the world heritage list, "said Peng Hua, director of Danxia Landform and Tourism Development Research Society.

The local government has also made great efforts to protect its natural heritage, according to Huang Dawei, director of Danxiashan Park in Guangdong Province.

"We have invested 200 million yuan ($295,200) in the renovation and environmental protection, including relocating local residents to preserve the integrity of the landform," said Jiang Maoqiu, director of Taining Danxia World Heritage Office, "With the success of inscription, we may carry out further protection work with funding from the central and provincial government."

[GeneChing]

Shaolin Temple recognized as world cultural heritage (http://english.peopledaily.com.cn/90001/90782/90873/7088733.html)
08:22, August 02, 2010

The home of Chinese kungfu and Zen Buddhism, China's Shaolin Temple is now part of humanity's cultural heritage.

Nestled in the Mount Songshan of Central China's Henan province, the historic architectural complex including the Shaolin Temple was added on Sunday to the UNESCO World Heritage List during a meeting of the World Heritage Committee in Brasilia, Brazil.

The new addition pushed China's world heritage sites to 39, including 28 cultural heritage sites, seven natural heritage sites and four cultural and natural heritage sites.

UNESCO said the historical architecture complex stands out for its great aesthetic beauty and its profound cultural connotations.

The complex is composed of 11 traditional structures, including the Shaolin Temple, the Observatory, Songyang Academy, Taishi Towers and Zhongyue Temple.

With a history of more than 2,000 years, these monuments feature various architectural styles brimming with ancient Chinese culture.

They provide the world with a glimpse into ancient Chinese religion, philosophy, customs and scientific development, said Yang Huancheng, an expert of ancient architecture.

Shaolin Temple's abbot Shi Yongxin said the UNESCO decision is a privilege, but it also adds pressure.

"For the monks, living in a world-recognized heritage site is a wonderful experience, but at the same time, our responsibility to protect the temple becomes even graver," he said.

Shi, however, said admission prices will not rise, and the temple would try to provide better service for domestic and foreign visitors.

Shi said a higher profile for the Shaolin Temple will heighten the public's awareness to protect the temple.

"I'm also looking forward to the addition of Shaolin kungfu into UNESCO's intangible heritage list," Shi added.

Local officials said they are getting prepared for more tourists from home and abroad.

"We've begun to organize tour guides learning to give introductions in English about the world heritage site, considering the increasing number of foreign visitors," Zhu Jianping, a senior official of Dengfeng tourist bureau, told China Daily on Sunday.

Zeng Jianshu, a local resident, said as more tourists come, his business will undoubtedly benefit, too.

Though many people hailed the news, there were also frowns with some expressing doubts about the benefits to the area.

One netizen surnamed Mu said the arrival of more tourists might lead to an over-commercialization of the site.

"Too many tourists will destroy the tranquility and the sublime beauty of the religious constructions," Mu said.

Xinhua contributed to this story.

Source: China Daily(By Chen Jia and Li Yuefeng)

The Xinhua article is the source, but this article has a nice pic of yesterday's party.
http://www.people.com.cn/mediafile/pic/20100802/54/10959971306118777262.jpg

[GeneChing]

Here's the official UNESCO press release:

Historic Monuments of Dengfeng in “The Centre of Heaven and Earth”
China (http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/1305)
Date of Inscription: 2010
Criteria: (iii)(vi)
Property : ha
Buffer zone: ha
N34 27 31.49 E113 4 3.79
Ref: 1305rev

Brief Description

Mount Songshang is considered to be the central sacred mountain of China. At the foot of this 1500 metre high mountain, close to the city of Dengfeng in Henan province and spread over a 40 square-kilometre circle, stand eight clusters of buildings and sites, including three Han Que gates - remains of the oldest religious edifices in China -, temples, the Zhougong Sundial Platform and the Dengfeng Observatory. Constructed over the course of nine dynasties, these buildings are reflections of different ways of perceiving the centre of heaven and earth and the power of the mountain as a centre for religious devotion. The historical monuments of Dengfeng include some of the best examples of ancient Chinese buildings devoted to ritual, science, technology and education.



Price-gouging threatens to spoil cultural heritage (http://opinion.globaltimes.cn/chinese-press/2010-08/558807.html)
* Source: Global Times
* [00:29 August 03 2010]

The ancient Chinese architectural style of tiandi zhizhong ("between the Earth and sky") has been listed by UNESCO as a unique part of World Cultural Heritage at a meeting Sunday. Eleven Chinese locations, including the Shaolin Temple in Henan, have been listed as World Cultural Heritage sites.

Meanwhile, another relevant report affords much food for thought. The Shaolin Temple has declared that it will not raise the entrance fee for the moment. This wording is rich in meaning: It cleverly avoids touching the sensitive topic of raising entrance fees at the very moment when the temple has been chosen as a world heritage site, but it leaves room to raise prices in the future.

A greater share of responsibility means making the Shaolin culture and the religion accessible to the whole of society, and offering chances to everyone to be close to this cultural heritage.

It doesn't mean setting up kung fu schools, giving performances and raising ticket fees while shutting out the general public.

The value of the World Cultural Heritage status means that everyone is entitled to the chance to experience this culture.

However, excessive commercialization limits this to only a selected few. Only those who can afford high ticket fees can experience the cultural heritage, and the poor are excluded. Many cultural locations abroad are open to tourists for free, and if they do charge, the fees are small. But in China many cultural tourism resources have become cash cows for some people or departments, who keep raising prices with flimsy excuses.

Let's hope the Shaolin Temple won't become a tourist trap, and that ordinary people like us can have a chance to share in it rather than being shut out by extortionate ticket prices.

The Beijing News
This is silly on so many levels. Tourism has always been part of Shaolin Temple. There's records of the tourist impact on Shaolin that go back to the 16th century. And are there are no tourists at other UNESCO World Heritage sites? No tourists at the Great Wall, the Forbidden City, the Terracotta Warriors in Xian? What about our U.S sites - the Statue of Liberty, Yosemite, Yellowstone or the Grand Canyon? No tourists being gouged at any of these places. ;)

[David Jamieson]

lol. "let's hope shaolin temple doesn't become a tourist trap..."

That is laughable. It's already a tourist trap and has been one in modern time since Jet Li's movie in '81 revitalized and resparked interest the whole place.

It was pretty quiet there for a long time, but as Gene has said, pretty much any heritage place becomes a tourist trap and the price to get in goes up with that.

Unesco partners with companies and concerns in order to up the cache value of otherwise dilapidated buildings. But it also helps to save some heritage buildings from the wrecking ball and it also gives this status to buildings that are hardly in danger of not being recognized as historically important anyway.

[GeneChing]

China works to establish more UNESCO sites top get more international face. Chinese complain it'll raise ticket prices. News flash for China - international attention will raise prices across the board. :rolleyes:

Tourists pay higher entrance fees for UNESCO heritage sites (http://news.xinhuanet.com/english2010/travel/2010-08/06/c_13432746.htm)
English.news.cn 2010-08-06 09:48:35

BEIJING, Aug. 6 (Xinhuanet) -- Wang Ye, a 27-year-old Beijinger, ordered flight tickets and hotel reservations on Thursday for her coming vacation destination - the China Danxia Landform, recently named a UNESCO World Heritage site.

"I moved my plans for Danxia two months ahead", she told China Daily, as "prices and the numbers of tourists might increase soon."

Indeed, in recent months, she noted, ticket prices have "skyrocketed" at other newly named UNESCO sites.

She pointed to entrance fees at Jiuzhaigou in Sichuan province, which had increased from 108 yuan ($16) to 220 yuan, as just one example.

Some say it is worth the price. "The first-class scenery deserves first-class prices," Huang Dawei, director of the management committee of Danxia Mountain, was quoted by a Guangzhou-based Information Times as saying on Thursday.

"The cost will increase regarding a series of protection actions," he added.

The ticket price for Danxia Mountain is now 100 yuan for an adult, and 120 yuan on holidays - 50 percent less than the price in some World Cultural Heritage in China, Huang said.

Huang added that discounts for local residents could be available in the future, although he declined to offer further details.

Nestled in the Songshan Mountain of Central China's Henan province, the historic architectural complex of the Shaolin Temple was also added to the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage list on Saturday.

The ticket price of Shaolin Temple, the home of Chinese kungfu and Zen Buddhism, will remain the same, according to a local official.

Shaolin Temple's abbot Shi Yongxin confirmed the news by saying the temple had no plan to raise admission fees.

"Bidding for World Heritage has nothing to do with commercial interests. We would not raise the ticket price," said Qian Daliang, general manager of the Intellectual Property and Intangible Assets Management Center of Shaolin Temple, days before the bid succeeded.

Many tourists, however, say local officials are exploiting their ability to impose increased entrance fees for their own benefit.

For example, officials in the ancient town of Lijiang in Yunnan province, named a world heritage site in 1997, put up roadblocks to ensure tourists paid a "protection" fee for visiting the popular site last year.

Since 2001, the town's protection bureau has been collecting a so-called "ancient town maintenance fee" from tourists. Still, many are finding ways to avoid producing the 80 yuan.

[GeneChing]

China limits tourist numbers to protect World Cultural Heritage site in central province (http://news.xinhuanet.com/english2010/china/2010-08/20/c_13454431.htm)
English.news.cn 2010-08-20 15:52:40

ZHENGZHOU, Aug. 20 (Xinhua) -- Local cultural heritage officials in central China's Henan Province said Friday they will limit tourist numbers during peak travel times to better protect the World Cultural Heritage-listed Historic Monuments of Dengfeng.

"We have taken measures to restrict the number of tourists and the burning of incense," said Gong Songtao, deputy director of the administration of cultural heritage in Dengfeng City.

Nestled in the Songshan Mountains, the "Center of Heaven and Earth" is composed of eight clusters of 11 buildings and sites, including the Shaolin Monastery, the Three Han Que Gates, the Observatory, the Songyang Academy and the Songyue Pagoda.

"Carbon dioxide and humidity levels are also being strictly monitored since high concentrations of those chemicals may damage the structures," said Gong.

"Tourists will be encouraged to visit other sites when the numbers at one site approach their limit," said Gong.

The Three Han Que Gates and the Ancestor's Monastery will remain closed to ordinary tourists as they have been for the last six decades, added Gong.

"Que," located at the side of a road, is an entry sign to a city, palace, temple, pass or tomb.

The Three Han Que Gates, made of stone and adorned with calligraphy and carvings, can be dated back to the Eastern Han Dynasty (25-220 A.D.).

The Historic Monuments of Dengfeng were added to the World Cultural Heritage List during the 34th session of the World Heritage Committee on Aug.1 in Brasilia, Brazil.

UNESCO said the monuments stand out for their great aesthetic beauty and their profound cultural importance.
I'm not sure that the burning of incense significantly adds to the smog.

[GeneChing]

Beaten to the punch by Taekkyon? Say it isn't so. :(

Taekkyon, Tightrope-Walking to Be Listed as World Cultural Heritage (http://english.chosun.com/site/data/html_dir/2011/11/28/2011112801027.html)

The traditional Korean martial art of taekkyon has remained hidden from the outside world for centuries while Chinese kung fu has risen to international prominence. But all this may be set to change.

DreamWorks' Animation's recent hit "Kung Fu Panda" and its sequel highlight the enduring appeal of Asian martial arts in the West. But while over 20 movie titles on the U.S. Internet Movie Data Base's website contain the word "kung fu," none make reference to taekkyon.

However, the acrobatic fighting form, which more closely resembles kung fu than its better-known siblings taekwondo and hapkido, is attracting more publicity as it looks set to be registered as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

The Cultural Heritage Administration said during a meeting of UNESCO delegates in Bali, Indonesia, that taekkyon and Korean tightrope walking were both recommended for registration by a UNESCO subcommittee, and were set to be included on the official list on Monday.

This would make taekkyon the first martial art to join the coveted list. Resembling the fluid movements of dancing, it involves kicks and other moves to knock down the opponent. There are around 50 official masters of the martial art, which is governed by the Korea Taekkyon Federation.

Just prior to the UNESCO meeting on Sunday, China voluntarily withdrew Shaolin kung fu from the list of candidates seeking to be registered. China has tried for years to list the martial art as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity but has come unstuck for failing to provide sufficient information to support its bid. The country needs to submit more specific data about the standards and procedures taken to register it as a piece of cultural heritage, according to UNESCO's preliminary report.

"It looks like China will try to apply again next year after it provides additional information, as it will not be able to seek registration for another four years if it fails the main round of evaluations," said a CHA spokesperson.

Korea has 13 items on the UNESCO list, starting with the Royal Ancestral Ritual at the Jongmyo Shrine and its Music, which was registered in 2001. This was followed by the Pansori Epic Chant (2003) and the Gangneung Danoje Festival (2005).

In 2009, it added its Ganggangsullae Dance, Namsadang Nori Performance, Yeongsanjae Buddhist Ritual, Jeju Chilmeoridang Yeongdeunggut Shaman Ritual, and Cheoyongmu Dance to the list.

Korean traditional wooden architectural craftsmanship (daemokjang), songs based on traditional poetry from the Chosun era (gagok) and falcon hunting have also been included.

[David Jamieson]

Are they F&^%$ing kidding?

Taekkyon? No offense but what the F&*% is Taekkyon?

And needs more evidence of cultural heritage for shaolin?

REALLY?

that's retarded.

[GeneChing]

Cultural Heritage Day in Zhengzhou (http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/life/2012-06/11/content_15493056.htm)
Updated: 2012-06-11 13:16
By Liu Xiangrui ( chinadaily.com.cn)

Zhengzhou, capital of history-rich Henan province, celebrated the 7th National Cultural Heritage Day, which fell on Saturday, with a series of carefully arranged events.

As the host city of this year's celebration, Zhengzhou demonstrated its efforts and achievements in protecting its substantial cultural heritage over past years.

Henan province is believed to be one of the most important cradles of Chinese civilization. Zhengzhou boasts a great number of relics.

For example, the group of ancient buildings in Songshan Mountain, which is located in Dengfeng, Zhengzhou, was listed as a world heritage site in its entirety at the 34th session of the World Heritage Committee in 2010.

The buildings, including the famous Shaolin Temple and historical Songyue Academy, are named Center of the Universe Building Ensemble.

The buildings reveal mysteries about ancient Chinese astronomy, the calendar system and religion and are representative of ancient Chinese architectural arts and ideology.

Hundreds of people from different groups were invited to explore the secrets of the ancient buildings ensemble on Friday and Saturday, which was an important part of the local government's efforts to cultivate its citizens' passion for heritage.

Experts were also invited to talk about the value of the relics by discussing their history and details about the buildings.

Besides other activities such as exhibitions held to arouse citizens' awareness of cultural heritage protection, Zhengzhou launched several major heritage protection projects, including the construction of a museum of the Shang Dynasty (c. 16th century-11th century BC) capital ruins and renovation of the Shaolin Temple's pagodas.

The unveiling of the Monitoring Center for the Center of the Universe Ancient Building Ensemble was believed by experts to be very meaningful because it shows the city's determination to protect its cultural heritage and sets an example to other regional governments.

The monitoring center's work will focus on the permanent protection of the buildings themselves and their subordinate structures, with regular monitoring based on apparatus, in combination with onsite inspections.

Factors affecting the protection and potential safety threats will be overseen with the launching of the center, the local heritage administration bureau officials said.

The persistent promotion and related activities in past years have greatly enhanced society's attention and awareness of of cultural heritage protection, said Dong Baohua, deputy head of the State Administration of Cultural Heritage, at the opening ceremony of Saturday's celebration.

"A new protection system based on governmental work facilitated by all of society's active participation has been gradually formed," Dong said. "The general social environment for heritage protection is improving constantly." I just posted on the Pagoda Forest on our Economic State of Shaolin Temple today thread (http://ezine.kungfumagazine.com/forum/showthread.php?p=1173234#post1173234)


Everybody Was Kung Fu Fighting Pic of the Day (http://www.thejournal.ie/everybody-was-kung-fu-fighting-pic-of-the-day-483623-Jun2012/)
2 hours ago

THOUSANDS OF STUDENTS take part in a mass choreographed kung fu performance in Zhenzhou, Henan, China.
http://s2.jrnl.ie/media/2012/06/PA-13780480-630x402.jpghttp://s2.jrnl.ie/media/2012/06/PA-13780479-630x416.jpghttp://s2.jrnl.ie/media/2012/06/PA-13780484-630x418.jpghttp://s2.jrnl.ie/media/2012/06/PA-13780485-630x420.jpghttp://s2.jrnl.ie/media/2012/06/PA-13780486-630x413.jpg

[GeneChing]

Once again, Shaolin leads the pack. ;)

Henan Special: Henan invests heavily in cultural heritages (http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/cndy/2012-12/27/content_16058782.htm)
Updated: 2012-12-27 08:01
By Shi Baoyin ( China Daily)

With support from the local and national government, great progress has been made in efforts to protect the wealth of cultural heritage sites in Henan province, one of the places where Chinese civilization first originated, a senior official said.

Chen Ailan, director of the Henan Administration of Cultural Heritage, said that officials are doing everything possible to ensure the protection of world cultural heritages in Henan as part of nationwide efforts to promote Chinese culture.

With support of the State Administration of Cultural Heritage, the province has successfully applied to have several of its sites added to the UNESCO World Heritage List, including the Longmen Grottoes, Anyang's ruins from the Shang Dynasty (c.16th century -11th century BC), and the historic monuments in Dengfeng known as "The Center of Heaven and Earth", Chen said.

To strengthen the province's reputation as a home for historical sites, local leaders also plan to apply to UNESCO for the addition of the Grand Canal and the Silk Road, vital transportation channels in ancient China, she said.

A total of 41 cultural heritage sites are located along Henan section of the Grand Canal, Chen said, adding that conservation efforts in the southern part of the Grand Canal cover the remains of river ways, headwaters, docks, irrigation projects as well as historical and cultural relics in towns and cities along the river.

With a mild climate and a pleasant environment, the province covers an area of 167,000 square kilometers. More than 65,519 historical sites are located in Henan, including such famous ancient structures as the Shaolin Temple and the Old Residence of Du Fu, a renowned poet in Tang Dynasty (AD 618-907), as well as Songyang Academy, one of the famed education institutions in the Chinese history.

As the political center of ancient China, Henan was also home to half of the nation's ancient capitals, including Zhengzhou, Luoyang, Anyang and Kaifeng.

Many ancient emperors were buried in Henan, creating vast complexes of graves that form unique cultural tourism sites, such as the Emperors Tombs of the Eastern Zhou Dynasty (770-256 BC) and the Emperors Tombs of the Song Dynasty (960-1279).

"The process of applying to be on the World Heritage List is really an arduous task, and we are making great efforts to work on it through legislation, management and conservation," said Chen, adding that laws and regulations have been formulated to protect and standardize the application for each project.

She said that the local government has also invited a group of experts and specialists from China and abroad to carry out scientific management plans to ensure the sustainable growth of the province's cultural legacies.

"Those professionals are conducting scientific research on the characteristics of different cultural heritages to offer suitable protection measures for each site," Chen said.

She also noted that maintenance proposals are made through surveys and studies on the underground historical ruins and architectures above the ground, which from her perspective is "the basis for the protection and consolidation of cultural heritages".

"Beautifying and restoring the surrounding environment is also very important," she said. "For instance, we have to remove or demolish the unmatched landmarks close to the targeted heritage to make it look more natural," Chen said.

She added that the local government has also made great efforts to publicize the world heritages sites to raise people's awareness to protect those national treasures.

In the future, Chen said that the province will continue to be committed to the protection of heritage sites.

"The first step is to strengthen the enforcement of relevant laws and regulations, and we will be dedicated to protect the cultural heritage sites," said Chen.

She said that in July this year, the provincial government implemented a newly established policy named Shang Dynasty Ruins Protection, which gave guidelines on the overall development of heritage sites and enlarged the protected area of the Anyang ruins.

Chen also noted that construction of protection and research bases at world cultural heritage sites is the province's top priority, which will "not only accelerate the cultural heritage industries in Henan, but also help improve the capability to protect culture heritages of the same kind".

In September, the organizing committee of the World Culture Heritage Protection Forum, which was held in the Longmen Grottoes in Luoyang, invited some 20 reputable experts and specialists to discuss proposals for building such research bases.

"We are already making preliminary plans for the construction work despite the unpredictable problems ahead," Chen said.

Over the past years, the province has cooperated with many cultural museums in foreign countries, including the United States, Canada and Japan, and it will continue to deepen partnerships with those cultural institutions through academic exchange and research.

[GeneChing]

Was it worth it?

Warning over commercialising heritage sites (http://www.scmp.com/news/china/article/1116907/warning-over-commercialising-heritage-sites)
Analysts say preservation should always come before economic gain
Tuesday, 01 January, 2013, 12:00am
Raymond Li raymond.li@scmp.com

http://www.scmp.com/sites/default/files/styles/486x302/public/2012/12/31/94dcaa51eff9ad8e4ad3456026a363ae.jpg
A bird's eye view of remains of the palace at Xanadu, which was the summer capital for Yuan dynasty ruler Kublai Khan. Photo: Unesco

China is the only country to have had at least one site inscribed into Unesco's World Heritage List each year over the past decade, but analysts warn that an official obsession with such listings for economic gain could compromise the nation's heritage conservation efforts.

China ranks third in the world, with 43 natural and cultural world heritage sites. Italy heads the list with 47 sites, followed by Spain with 44.

The site of Xanadu, the remains of the summer capital of Yuan dynasty ruler Kublai Khan, north of the Great Wall, was inscribed into the World Heritage List in June, becoming China's 43rd such site.

The State Administration of Cultural Heritage said last month that more than 500 heritage protection laws and regulations had been enacted, underscoring its conservation efforts, particularly over the past decade.

The director of Nanjing University's Cultural and Natural Heritage Research Institute, Professor He Yunao , attributed the large number of Chinese sites on the list to the country's abundant heritage resources as a major Eastern civilisation.

He said central and regional governments' enormous interest in the list was a result of globalisation, because every city longed for some branding vehicles to boost its international profile.

"The nurturing of a commercially successful, world-class brand is both time-consuming and very costly," he said. "It's very tempting if they realise they can achieve that goal by turning some of the treasures their ancestors left behind into a world heritage site."

The impoverished Henan city of Dengfeng triggered a heated debate two years ago when it was reported to have spent a total of 790 million yuan (HK$982.5 million) in a successful bid for world heritage status for "the Centre of Heaven and Earth", a cluster of historic temples and gates including the famed Shaolin Temple.

In November, the state administration unveiled a list of 45 sites for nomination for world heritage status from next year on.

Professor He said these sites were all of great heritage value, but it could take decades for them to be nominated and much longer to be inscribed because in recent years China had usually presented only two sites, one cultural and one natural, for evaluation each year.

The evaluations are carried out by two Unesco bodies, the International Council on Monuments and Sites and the World Conservation Union.

He Shuzhong , founder of the Beijing Cultural Heritage Protection Centre, a conservation advocacy group, said world heritage meant better protection for such sites as a result of international collaboration in conservation efforts.

But he said local authorities were often too carried away by the publicity and commercial implications of a prospective world heritage site and overlooked their responsibility for its protection.

"A lot of local governments in China have turned these sites into five-star or six-star tourist destinations or into high-end resorts," he said.

A decision by management at Slender West Lake, in the Jiangsu city of Yangzhou , to double admission fees to 150 yuan during this year's Labour Day holiday triggered a national outcry over pricey fees charged at mainland heritage sites.

Slender West Lake was included in a tentative list by China for world heritage nomination in 2008.

Admission fees for Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) in Anhui , which was inscribed into the World Heritage List in 1990, have nearly tripled to 230 yuan since 2002, to great public dismay.

Professor He, who took part in the successful bid for world heritage status for the Imperial Tombs of the Ming and Qing Dynasties in 2000, said a successful bid would certainly bring a lot of benefits for local governments, but preservation should always come first.

The state administration, citing a national survey of cultural relics, said 44,000 of the 766,700 immovable cultural relics on record had been lost, largely due to development, since 1985.

[r.(shaolin)]

I have to chuckle in re-reading this post which I wrote 8 years ago. I had the 'cultural thing' way out of proportion, this thing never was about culture it was, and is about money.
r.


After a high-profile PR campaign by Shi Yongxin to have Shaolin Kung Fu be
put on UNESCO's intangible heritage list the PRC has decided to hold off.
My guess is that the trademark issue has hit a few nerves and could potentionally create some negative waves internationally for the PRC.

http://english.sina.com/china/1/2005/0428/29336.html

What does "safeguarding" intangible cultural heritage mean?
Although there are many good intentions with this initiative, when you boil it down and get below the platitudes and motherhood statements, it is about political control of culture. This so called "safeguarding" is simply a tool for international legal control of culture by governments. You can be sure that the PRC will identify and define the various elements of "Shaolin kung-fu." This has to do with the adoption of legal measures aimed at groups that PRC/Shi Yongxin feels undermines his objectives in both national and international arenas. Consider the following which appeared in the Sun Shangwu (China Daily).

"He (Shi Yongxin) says more effort from the government is needed to put Shaolin kung fu on the UNESCO list.

He (Shi Yongxin) has submitted a proposal to the NPC session, asking the country's top legislature to consider a special law to protect (Shaolin Kungfu) ... ."

"Controversially, he also established a company (Henan Shaolin Temple Industrial Development Ltd. Co.) to protect intellectual property rights and prevent the abuse of the name Shaolin by companies seeking easy profits."

"Unsurprisingly, Shi (Shi Yongxin), . . .will not rest even if he gets UNESCO status or is handed a national culture-protection law."

He says he is willing to walk the earth to promote, (read this as, getting control of) Shaolin kung fu."

This is not about the use of the word 'Shaolin'for selling sausages etc. but rather about using the word "Shaolin" in reference to martial arts training. In the USA, as in most other countries in the world, the word "Shaolin" has already been trademarked for all products and services by Shi Yongxin. What he has not trademarked in the US, and Canada for that matter, is the exclusive use of Shaolin in relationship to martial arts training. I suspect the UNESCO list was to be the lever with which he planned to accomplish that. In Europe the trademark already includes martial arts training, but I believe this aspect of the Shaolin trademark in Europe can be still challenged successfully.

r.

[mickey]

Greetings,

r.,

I had the opportunity to view movies from Mainland China that dated back to the mid to late 1980's. The Buddhist monks were depicted, to put it politely, the worst element of society that you can imagine.

mickey

[GeneChing]

Intriguing. Here's someone I'd love to interview someday...

Masters-degree Student Gave up High-paying Jobs for Shaolin Temple (http://www.chinatopix.com/articles/1870/20140421/masters-degree-student-gave-up-high-paying.htm)
Apr 21, 2014 04:35 AM EDT | Qi Qin

http://www.chinatopix.com/data/images/full/2763/image.jpg?w=600

A master's degree student gave up high-paying job offers to work as public relations manager and press spokesman for the Shaolin Temple, reported Zhengzhou Evening News on Thursday.

Zhu Bingfan graduated from Sun Yat-Sen University, one of China's top universities, four years ago, and had received several enviable offers from large state-owned enterprises. However, he rejected the offers and decided to work for the Shaolin Temple even though he is not an ascetic.

Zhu was made in charge of the library of Shaolin Temple where he constantly receives important visitors. He has dealt with scandals involving the Shaolin Temple as well, all in the spirit of maintaining the Shaolin Temple brand.

"Even though there are no entertainments in the temple and I have to eat vegetarian diet with monks, my life is not that hard as monks. I can enter and leave the temple freely every day. I do not have to work from 9 to 5 and can often go down the hill. I talk with monks and know that many of them are highly educated," Zhu said.

At least 50 monks study abroad in the U.S., England, Singapore, and Japan. In recent years, more and more elite minds have been drawn to the Shaolin Temple because they said it cultivates and nurtures their talents.

Zhu was hired by Henan Shaolin Intangible Assets Management Co. Ltd, which protects Shaolin's intangible assets such as trademark and brand.

Four years ago, Zhu was writing a thesis about overseas dissemination of Shaolin Culture, and he applied for surveying at Shaolin three times.

Finally, Qian Daliang, the General Manager of the management company, accepted his application and invited him to work for the company saying Shaolin Temple needs a person like him.

Zhu never thought he would be working in his hometown, but he was attracted by the Shaolin Temple.

His tutor, Professor Gao Xiaokang, touched him by saying, "there are lots of state-owned enterprises, central enterprises, and foreign companies, but there is only one Shaolin Temple. It is unique."

He has been working at Shaolin Temple since he graduated in 2010.

[GeneChing]

In all my Shaolin Trips (https://www.amazon.com/dp/1424308976/?tag=mh0b-20&hvadid=3487815210&hvqmt=e&hvbmt=be&hvdev=c&ref=pd_sl_3gmzoinl57_e), I never went into the Observatory. I was near it but I never went in.


China's oldest observatory opens free to public (http://english.sina.com/news/2017-05-03/detail-ifyetxec7452457.shtml)
2017-05-03 07:10:20 GMT2017-05-03 15:10:20(Beijing Time) Xinhua English

ZHENGZHOU, May 3 (Xinhua) -- China's oldest observatory, in Dengfeng city, is now free to the public in a move to attract tourists at home and abroad, local authorities said Tuesday.
The new ticket policy for Dengfeng Observatory took effect April 29, the first day of the International Workers' Day holiday, according to Dengfeng tourism bureau, central China's Henan Province.
Previously, tickets cost 30 yuan (around 4 U.S. dollars) per person.
During the three-day holiday, the scenic spot received 12,230 tourists, more than 66-times greater than the previous year.
"The new policy aims to woo more young tourists especially students. They may be curious about the story of the oldest structure for astronomical observation in the country," said Wang Shaofeng, head of the bureau.
With a history of more than 700 years, Dengfeng Observatory was built by Guo Shoujing, a prestigious ancient Chinese astronomer.
Guo and others observed the regularity of the sun, moon and the stars, and calculated, correctly, that were 365.24 days in a year.
Dengfeng is also famous for its Shaolin Temple, home of Chinese Kung Fu and Zen Buddhism.
Kong Xiaohong, with general aviation operator Reignwood Star, said that the company provided a scenic helicopter tour linking the observatory with the Shaolin Temple
Using a helicopter, travel time can be cut to seven minutes from more than 40 minutes when driving. Each helicopter can carry five tourists who need to pay a total of 8,000 yuan for the trial service.
"Dengfeng will gradually open 12 free tourist attractions to the public in the near future. We aim to turn the city into an international tourist destination," Wang said.
The historical architecture complex in Dengfeng, including the observatory and Shaolin Temple, was added to the World Cultural Heritage List in 2010.

[GeneChing]

This is slightly OT for both our UNESCO and the politics of culture (http://www.kungfumagazine.com/forum/showthread.php?36571-UNESCO-and-the-politics-of-culture) and our Chinese Bridges (http://www.kungfumagazine.com/forum/showthread.php?68983-Chinese-Bridges) threads. But it fits there better than elsewhere.


China-funded bridge risks Unesco World Heritage status of San Agustin church, 3 others (https://lifestyle.inquirer.net/314282/china-funded-bridge-risks-unesco-world-heritage-status-of-san-agustin-church-3-others/)
Binondo-Intramuros construction to encroach on buffer zone of country’s oldest church, a violation of 1993 Unesco declaration
By: Edgar Allan M. Sembrano Philippine Daily Inquirer / 05:07 AM November 19, 2018

https://lifestyle.inquirer.net/files/2018/11/t1119sembrano-baroque_1-620x414.jpg
San Agustin Church

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (Unesco) has warned that San Agustin Church and three other Baroque churches around the Philippines may be delisted from the prestigious World Heritage List as a result of the construction of the controversial Binondo-Intramuros Bridge across the Pasig River in Manila.

The bridge would encroach on the “buffer zone” required by the Unesco for San Augustin Church as a World Heritage Site, according to Unesco National Commission (Unacom).

Aside from San Agustin Church in Intramuros, the three other churches that may be removed from the Unesco list are San Agustin in Paoay, Ilocos Norte; Nuestra Señora de la Asuncion in Santa Maria, Ilcoos Sur; and Santo Tomas de Villanueva in Miag-ao, Iloilo.

All of them were originally built by Augustinian friars and are called “Baroque Churches of the Philippines” and collectively declared as a “Unesco World Heritage Site” in 1993. If San Agustin Church is delisted, the three others will follow.

Unesco has expressed its concerns in a letter, which has been forwarded by the Unacom to the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), Len Barrientos, deputy executive director of Unacom, said .

Funded by the Chinese government, the construction is announced in giant billboards along the Pasig by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) even without consultation with stakeholders, especially the cultural sector, considering it would affect Intramuros and old walled city’s cultural treasures and historic landmarks.

Ironically no cultural agency and neither NCCA nor Intramuros Administration (IA), both agencies holding office in Intramuros, has formally notified DPWH that the bridge would affect the historical, cultural and engineering integrity of Intramuros and San Agustin Church, the oldest church in the Philippines.

In fact, only after the Order of St. Augustine (OSA) formally raised the concern in a letter did cultural agencies start taking notice.

Earlier, Fr. Peter Casino, OSA vicar for the Orient, sent a letter dated Oct. 30 to the ecclesiastical heads and city, municipal and provincial heads of the affected Unesco heritage churches, urging collective action on the matter.

NCCA, IA and other cultural agencies will join the OSA friars and local government unit (LGU) and ecclesiastical representatives in a meeting with the DPWH on Nov. 21.

‘Outstanding’

In its 1993 declaration, Unesco noted that the Spanish colonial religious edifices “are outstanding examples of the Philippine interpretation of the Baroque style, and represent the fusion of European church design and construction with local materials and decorative motifs to form a new church-building tradition.”

It is for that reason that if one is affected by “unwanted development” and faces possible delisting, all other churches will be dropped as well, said former Unacom commissioner Eric Zerrudo.

https://lifestyle.inquirer.net/files/2018/11/t1119sembrano-baroque_2-620x503.jpg
Miag-ao Church –PHOTOS BY EDGAR ALLANM. SEMBRANO

The controversial project will stretch from Binondo to Plaza Mexico in Intramuros near the Bureau of Immigration building.

Zerrudo said the bridge would affect the buffer zone of San Agustin Church, which includes the walls of Intramuros and immediate areas outside.

Conservation strategy

According to Unesco, the protection not only of the core zone but of the buffer zone is important since the surroundings of a World Heritage (WH) property are “essential component[s] of the conservation strategy.”

Zerrudo explained that the buffer zone should be protected since any negative effects of a major construction project would threaten the outstanding universal value (OUV) of a WH property. This will affect its status in general, he added.

“The bridge is more than just an encroachment,” he said. “It impacts negatively on the site’s OUV which includes the core and buffer zones.”

He pointed to Operation Guidelines 172 to 174 of the World Heritage Center (WHC), which states that any negative impact on a WH site should be reported immediately, so that the WHC could assess the situation and recommend remedies.

“The key there is that you go through a very long process of consultation, conferences, collaboration, compromises [with the WHC] and eventually you come up with the right solution still to uphold and maintain its OUV,” he said.

Zerrudo said there have been cases in which a compromise was agreed by the state party and WHC. Turkey reduced the size of a planned bridge whose original size would affect the “Historic Areas of Istanbul.” The modification, Zerrudo said, was made so that the OUV of the inscribed property would not be affected.—CONTRIBUTED

[GeneChing]

I'm posting this on the Silat thread (http://www.kungfumagazine.com/forum/showthread.php?2737-Silat) even though it's a passing reference, and hijacking the Shang wu farms, Taoist health and longevity / Thai massage (http://www.kungfumagazine.com/forum/showthread.php?34940-Shang-wu-farms-Taoist-health-and-longevity-Thai-massage-workshop) workshop thread because it's the only one that we have that mentions Thai Massage and the workshop that was trying to promote was nearly a decade and a half ago. :rolleyes:

Also copying this to our UNESCO thread (http://www.kungfumagazine.com/forum/showthread.php?36571-UNESCO-and-the-politics-of-culture).


Unesco heritage: Traditional Thai massage added to 'cultural heritage' list (https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-50770641?SThisFB&fbclid=IwAR15J_TreWMj-9TBMiwodLtXTpIYrqLPDZwtu7tp-VjeFUBh6NZUG88AX_Q)
13 December 2019

https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/660/cpsprodpb/103B2/production/_110128466_gettyimages-1187332710.jpgGETTY IMAGES
The massages involve a lot of movement and typically see people assuming a series of different positions

The back-cracking traditional Thai massage has been added to a prestigious Unesco heritage list.

Nuad Thai is now part of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, which features traditions and practices passed across the generations.

By being part of the list, Thai massage has been recognised as something to be preserved for future generations.

Unesco is the United Nations' agency for education, culture, and science.

The intangible cultural heritage list is separate from the world heritage list, which recognises buildings and sites of prominence.

There are 550 items on the cultural heritage list - split into three categories - from 127 countries.

Items are added every year, with this year's committee meeting in Bogota, Colombia.

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People in Moscow receiving a Thai massage

Unlike conventional massages, Thai massages involve a lot of movement and typically sees people assuming a series of different positions.

Therapists use not only their hands but sometimes their forearms and knees to apply pressure. There is also no oil involved in Nuad Thai massage.

According to Unesco, the practice has its "roots in self-care in Thai peasant society of the past, [where] every village had massage healers whom villagers would turn to when they had muscle aches from working the field".

Other practices added to this year's list include:

Irish harping

Celestinian forgiveness in Italy

The Carnival of Podence in Portugal

Silat self-defence in Malaysia

According to Unesco, the intangible culture heritage list seeks to recognise things that are "important to preserve for future generations... [like] songs sung and stories told".

It adds that these things "form part of a heritage and this requires active effort to safeguard it".

[GeneChing]

'Tears of happiness': Pencak silat communities celebrate UNESCO recognition (https://www.thejakartapost.com/life/2019/12/14/tears-of-happiness-pencak-silat-communities-celebrate-unesco-recognition.html)
JESSICHA VALENTINA
THE JAKARTA POST
Jakarta / Sat, December 14, 2019 / 10:32 am

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Pencak Silat Betawi warriors enliven the performance of 1,000 Warriors at the Hotel Indonesia traffic circle in Jakarta on June 14, 2015. (Shutterstock/dani daniar)

Traditional Indonesian martial art pencak silat was added to UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in Bogota, Colombia, on Thursday local time.

The announcement made pencak silat communities shed tears of happiness, as they had been working toward such recognition since 2017, Pencak Silat Indonesia Community founding board member Wahdat MY said in a press conference in Jakarta on Friday.

Indonesian pencak silat practitioner-turned-actor Yayan Ruhian also welcomed the news, telling The Jakarta Post via telephone that he felt happy upon hearing it and hoping that pencak silat could be accepted by a wider audience, not just martial arts lovers.

According to The Fighting Art of Pencak Silat and its Music: From Southeast Asian Village to Global Movement, edited by Uwe U. Paetzold and Paul H. Mason, the term pencak silat is a composite of recent origin (late 1940s), deriving from the Sundanese/Javanese word penca(k) and the Malay and Sumatran word silat. The term was made official by the Indonesian Pencak Silat Association (IPSI) in 1973 during a congress in Tugu near Bogor, West Java, as the conceptual basis for a competition for the native self-defense art, enabling it to be included in the National Games as a regulated sport. Both words have their own etymologies.

Though the government-backed IPSI focuses on pencak silat as a sport, Wahdat said that pencak silat consisted of other aspects, such as spirituality and the arts.

There are more than 40 different pencak silat aliran (teachings). Some of the most popular ones include Cimande from West Java and Silek from West Sumatra. “There are more unexposed teachings, such as those from Sulawesi,” Wahdat said.

In recent years, pencak silat has caught the attention of international filmmakers. Indonesian actors and martial artists Yayan, Iko Uwais and Cecep Arif Rahman have been involved in various action film franchises, such as The Raid and John Wick, showcasing the Indonesian martial art to the world.

LifeLike Pictures film producer Sheila Timothy singled out The Raid as the one film that catapulted pencak silat into global film industry fame.

She said the martial art was one of the strengths of Wiro Sableng: Pendekar Kapak Maut Naga Geni 212, which was produced by LifeLike Pictures in collaboration with Fox International Productions, a division of 20th Century Fox.

“When we approached Fox International Productions, they were interested in our ideas as we shared that we wanted to include original Indonesian martial arts in pencak silat,” Sheila said.

“Pencak silat is really interesting as it also contains philosophies. It can be explored further.”

The Education and Culture Ministry’s director general of culture, Hilmar Farid, said UNESCO considered pencak silat a tradition and contribution to humanity and human civilization.

“Unlike Borobudur temple, which is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, pencak silat is owned by the people, not the country,” Hilmar said.

Hilmar explained following the announcement recognizing pencak silat as a piece of intangible world heritage that silat from Malaysia had also been recognized by UNESCO.

Speaking about the differences, Hilmar stressed that silat was highlighted as martial arts. “Meanwhile, martial arts is among the components of pencak silat. It contains a larger cultural heritage, featuring movement and music."

Hilmar said based on ancient inscriptions, pencak silat also involved self-control and character-building lessons that had been passed down from generation to generation, adding that the recognition opened the door to more opportunities to preserve pencak silat.

Speaking about the future of pencak silat, Wahdat said there was a lot of work to do to continue to support the traditional art, which was largely only taught in small communities – pencak silat practitioners and teachers frequently have to dig into their own pockets to fund their activities.

“The organizational system is weak. Hopefully, after being recognized by UNESCO, it can help to motivate [pencak silat practitioners],” Wahdat said. “I’m afraid about us stopping here." (kes)

I feel so justified in doing a Silat-based cover story now for our FALL 2019 (http://www.kungfumagazine.com/magazine/article.php?article=1501) issue. I had a feeling that Silat's time had come. Read Meet the Martial Star of Netflix’s Wu Assassins, Iko Uwais
(http://www.kungfumagazine.com/magazine/article.php?article=1514)

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THREADS
Silat (http://www.kungfumagazine.com/forum/showthread.php?2737-Silat) UNESCO (http://www.kungfumagazine.com/forum/showthread.php?36571-UNESCO-and-the-politics-of-culture).