Intangible cultural heritage helps multi-ethnic community prosper

In Hepan Huayuan community, Tongliao, Inner Mongolia autonomous region, the Lanbanren leather carving workshop has turned intangible cultural heritage into a source of income for local residents.

Since 2019, it has employed over 180 people, including stay-at-home mothers earning 2,000 to 5,000 yuan ($300 to 750) a month. Han, Mongolian, Manchu and Hui artisans work side by side, blending ethnic elements with modern designs. What was once seen as old-fashioned is now trendy — and it pays the bills.

Zhang Xinyi contributed to the story.