From China Daily, via People’s Daily:
Uygur Mukam, the melodious centuries-old music from Xinjiang, might soon become an art form deemed to be internationally-recognized intangible cultural heritage.
The genre dates back to the 15th century and comprises narrative and dance music created by the ancient Uygur people.
Intangible cultural heritage is defined by the UNESCO as “the practices, representations, expressions, as well as the knowledge and skills, that communities, groups and, in some cases, individuals recognize as part of their cultural heritage.”
State-level heritage means that the subject has high art value which faces the threat of extinction; and would be placed under a well-designed protection plan.