Wooden movable-type printing of China

    

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Inscribed in 2010 (5.COM) on the List of Intangible Cultural Heritage in Need of Urgent Safeguarding

© 2009 Culture Ministry

One of the world’s oldest printing techniques, wooden movable-type printing is maintained in Rui’an County, Zhejiang Province, where it is used in compiling and printing clan genealogies. Men are trained to draw and engrave Chinese characters, which are then set into a type-page and printed. This requires abundant historical knowledge and mastery of ancient Chinese grammar. Women then undertake the work of paper cutting and binding, until the printed genealogies are finished. The movable characters can be used time and again after the type-page is dismantled. Throughout the year, craftspeople carry sets of wooden characters and printing equipment to ancestral halls in local communities. There, they compile and print the clan genealogy by hand. A ceremony marks the completion of the genealogy, and the printers place it into a locked box to be preserved. The techniques of wooden movable-type printing are transmitted through families by rote and word of mouth. However, the intensive training required, the low income generated, popularization of computer printing technology and diminishing enthusiasm for compiling genealogies have all contributed to a rapid decrease in the number of craftspeople. At present, only eleven people over 50 years of age remain who have mastered the whole set of techniques. If not safeguarded, this traditional practice will soon disappear.

Periodic reporting

Report on the status of an element inscribed on the list of intangible cultural heritage in need of urgent safeguarding

A. Cover sheet

A.1.

State Party

Name of State Party

China

A.2.

Date of deposit of the instrument of ratification, acceptance, approval or accession

This information is available online.

Date of deposit of the instrument of ratification, acceptance, approval or accession

2004-12-02

A.3.

Element inscribed on the Urgent Safeguarding List that is the subject of this report

Name of element

Report of China on the status of the ICH element 'Wooden movable-type printing of China'

Inscribed in

2015

Submitting State(s)

China

A.4.

Reporting period covered by this report

Please indicate the period covered by this report.

A.5.

Other elements inscribed on the Urgent Safeguarding List, if any

Please list all other elements from your country inscribed on the Urgent Safeguarding List, together with the year of inscription; for multinational elements, please indicate the other States concerned.

Other elements inscribed on the Urgent Safeguarding List, if any

Hezhen Yimakan storytelling (2011)

Meshrep (2010)

Qiang New Year festival (2009)

Traditional design and practices for building Chinese wooden arch bridges (2009)

Traditional Li textile techniques: spinning, dyeing, weaving and embroidering (2009)

Watertight-bulkhead technology of Chinese junks (2010)

A.6.

Executive summary of the report

Please provide an executive summary of the report that will allow general readers to understand the current status of the element, any positive or negative impacts of inscription, the implementation of safeguarding measures during the reporting period and their possible update for the following years.

A.7.

Contact person for correspondence

Provide the name, address and other contact information of the person responsible for correspondence concerning the report.

Title (Ms/Mr, etc.)

Ms

Family name

Zhu

Given name

Yanhui

Institution/position

Deputy Director
Division of International Organizations
Bureau of International Exchanges and Cooperation
Ministry of Culture and Tourism of China

Address

Telephone number

+86 10 5988 1870

E-mail address

intl@chinaculture.org

Other relevant information

B

Ms

B. Status of element inscribed on the Urgent Safeguarding List

Refer to the nomination file or to previous reports, if any, as the basis for reporting on the current status of the element, and report only on relevant changes since the date of inscription on the List or since the previous report. Nomination files, specific timetables and earlier reports, if any, are available at https://ich.unesco.org or from the Secretariat, upon request.

The State Party shall pay special attention to the role of gender and shall endeavour to ensure the widest possible participation of the communities, groups and, where applicable, individuals concerned as well as relevant non-governmental organizations during the process of preparing this report, and is asked to describe how it has done so in point D below.

B.1.

Social and cultural functions

Please explain the social and cultural functions and meanings of the element today, within and for its community, the characteristics of the bearers and practitioners, and any specific roles or categories of persons with special responsibilities towards the element, among others. Attention should be given to any relevant changes related to inscription criterion U.1 (‘the element constitutes intangible cultural heritage as defined in Article 2 of the Convention’).

Social and cultural functions

As a system of skills and knowledge, the element has been constantly transmitted and enhanced through its interaction with nature and history to meet various social needs. It is mainly used in the compiling and printing of clan genealogies in local communities and provides important means of livelihood for the bearers. Its practice has helped to record the history and kinship of families, reflect path of local social development and the venation of cultural transmission, and give local people deep insight into their fine traditional culture and distinctive history. It has important social and cultural functions in all communities where the element spreads. It has become an important cultural medium for people of different groups to understand and recognize their own history.
The craftsmen who master relevant skills are the bearers of this element; they are recognized as "genealogy masters" by the local people. They undertake the tasks of editing, printing and binding of different clan genealogies as entrusted by genealogy editing councils. By practicing the element, they also help to disseminate the Chinese genealogical culture. The core system of the element has a fixed pattern and mature procedures, but there is no standard model workflow, and there is room for different groups and individuals to develop their creativity. Knowledge and skills of the element are traditionally transmitted from genealogy masters to their apprentices or within families. At present, the representative bearers are Lin Chuyin, Wang Chuanqiao, Wang Zhiren and Wu Shumei (female), etc.

B.2.

Assessment of its viability and current risks

Please describe the current level of viability of the element, particularly the frequency and extent of its practice, the strength of traditional modes of transmission, the demographics of practitioners and audiences and its sustainability. Please also identify and describe the threats, if any, to the element's continued transmission and enactment and describe the severity and immediacy of such threats, giving particular attention to any strengthening or weakening of the element’s viability subsequent to inscription.

Assessment of its viability and current risks

The element is mainly concentrated in southern Zhejiang Province, especially in Wenzhou City, and parts of Fujian Province. It is also practiced in eastern and northern Zhejiang Province. As of this reporting period, there are 22 representative bearers, an increase of 5 compared to the previous cycle, with average age dropped from 62.87 to 60.21. Major transmission communities include Dongyuan Village of Pingyangkeng Town and Xiqian Village of Caocun Town in Rui'an City, as well as the neighboring Pingyang County and some areas beyond Wenzhou City. During this reporting period, the bearers have taken 62 orders for genealogy printing, down 60% compared to the previous cycle, and their annual income was about 30,000 to 40,000 yuan. The decrease of orders was due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which has affected the gatherings needed at the beginning and end of genealogy editing and compiling activities and resulted in postponed printing plan from the clans. Due to high labor cost and limited market demand, the printing business of ancient books has also declined with only 1,500 copies of five ancient books being printed, including the Thousand Characters and the Selected Ancient Poems. However, through the development of cultural products and experiential learning, the frequency of practice has been increased and the scope been expanded, generating supplementary economic benefits for bearers and practitioners.
At present, the transmission of the element still faces the following risks:
• First, the computer typesetting is less costly and requires fewer workers, leading to the declining cost of typesetting and printing of genealogies. During this reporting period, about 10 clans from Rui'an City have switched to digital technology for genealogy printing, up about 10% over the previous cycle, and the main practice space of the element has been further squeezed.
• Second, with the increased awareness of intangible cultural heritage and its importance, along with the growing appreciation for traditional culture, the clans are becoming more demanding while the bearers are running short of necessary knowledge to satisfy the actual needs of their customers. There is also a growing number of other competitive parties entering the genealogy compiling and printing market.
• Third, the sustainability of inter-generational transmission is still under pressure. At present, most of the bearers are above 60 years old, and there are only 14 senior bearers left (3 senior bearers including Wang Chaohui have passed away since last reporting period). Movable-type printing is a complex and highly technical process and requires related knowledge of genealogical culture. Given the time-consuming learning process, limited opportunities of practice and unstable income, the population of young apprentices remains small.

B.3.

Implementation of safeguarding measures

Please report on the safeguarding measures described in the nomination file, and previous report, if any. Describe how they have been implemented and how they have substantially contributed to the safeguarding of the element during the reporting period, taking note of external or internal constraints such as limited resources. Include, in particular, information on the measures taken to ensure the viability of the element by enabling the community to continue to practise and transmit it. Include the following detailed information concerning the implementation of the set of safeguarding measures or safeguarding plan:

B.3.a.

Objectives and results

Indicate what primary objective(s) were addressed and what concrete results were attained during the reporting period.

Objectives and results

During this reporting period, the following goals have been achieved:
• The number of the bearers has increased and their overall competence has improved to some extent. Five new representative bearers have been identified, including one female; they have acquired a full set of related skills and are all under the age of 50. There are 39 registered apprentices and about 300 practitioners, 60 more than the previous cycle, including over 40 women; their educational level has been raised from below junior high school to above junior high school.
• The scope of practice has been expanded and the frequency has been increased. The bearers have been active and creative in developing relevant cultural products by integrating the element with other traditional techniques.
• Documentation and research have been improved. With the involvement of the bearers, practitioners and community members, actions have been taken in the basic survey of the element, documentation of the bearers, digitization of related technological processes, and improvement of the existing database. In addition, academic seminars have been held for community-based capacity building; research institutes have been established with active involvement of experts and scholars, providing a platform for more in-depth interaction between academic community and the bearers and practitioners.
• The visibility has been improved. Exhibitions and experiential learning activities have been held in Rui'an Movable-type Printing Exhibition Hall, Rui'an Intangible Cultural Heritage Center and Rui'an Museum, through which the awareness of the element and its safeguarding achievements have been raised among the public. Relevant communities, groups and individuals have spontaneously carried out exhibition activities on the Cultural and Natural Heritage Day, and during the China Expo of Traditional Skills of Intangible Cultural Heritage; the element and related historical and cultural knowledge have been communicated through traditional and social media platforms; experience centers have been open to the public. All of this has contributed to the enhanced awareness of the element and the intangible cultural heritage as a whole.

B.3.b.

Safeguarding activities

List the key activities that were carried out during this reporting period in order to achieve these expected results. Please describe the activities in detail and note their effectiveness or any problems encountered in implementing them.

Safeguarding activities

During this reporting period, multiple actors including relevant communities, groups and individuals, and governments at all levels have jointly carried out the following safeguarding activities:
• Promoting inter-generational transmission
Two training workshops facilitated by the bearers were held for apprentices, with a total of 34 participants who were evaluated upon the completion of the courses as part of the apprenticeship training mechanism. Educational activities were carried out in Kaiyuan Vocational School, Pingyangkeng School and Ma’anshan Experimental Primary School in Rui’an City; movable-type printing courses were offered, taught by invited bearers, in four institutes of higher education beyond Rui’an City, including Zhejiang Industry & Trade Vocational College. Five representative bearers from Rui'an City were newly identified as recommended by communities concerned, all of whom were both beneficiaries of the ongoing training workshops and apprentices of the representative bearers. Governments at all levels provided annual subsidies for the bearers recognized at different levels to take apprentices and carry out transmission activities, encouraged social forces to invest in the safeguarding of the element, and introduced relevant policies to improve the enthusiasm of the bearers. For example, the annual subsidy for each provincial level representative bearer has increased from 5,000 yuan to 8,000 yuan since 2022; the subsidy for training cultural talents has increased by 1,000 yuan per person and the daily allowances for young apprentices during the training are 150 yuan per person. Wang Fawan, the bearer, has been exempted from 3-year rent for running his shop in the historical and cultural block of Zhongyi Street, Rui'an City.
• Increasing the frequency and expanding scope of practice
The bearers integrated the movable-type printing with woodblock printing, bamboo paper making as well as paper cutting techniques and applied them to the production of the letters of admission of universities, and provided element-related services for local communities, such as producing customized name seals for students of Anyang Experimental Middle School in Rui'an City. In addition, the bearers also developed over 20 kinds of cultural products associated with the element, such as wooden type gift boxes, wall hanging panels, and pen containers.
• Strengthening documentation and research
Multimedia technologies were applied to the documentation of the process, technologies, tools and objects of the element; 6.42 hours of interviews and introductory films, 4 hours of audio recordings, 154,000 words of text files and 102 photos were collected and produced to enrich the archival data. The Chinese movable-type printing webpage(https://www.ihchina.cn/printing_home.html)was set up. Rui'an Movable-type Printing Association developed a computer font library of "Lao Song Ti or Ancient Sim Sun”, the engraved version for movable type printing, applied to cultural and creative products. "China (Rui’an) Movable-type Printing Transmission and Development Seminar", "Academic Seminar on Movable-type Printing" and "the Second Session of ICH and Modern Vocational Education in Zhejiang Province" were held; and related research findings such as "Views on the Contemporary Value and Communication Path of Rui’an Wooden Movable-type Printing" and "Reflections on the Transmission & Innovation of Rui’an Dongyuan Wooden Movable-type Printing" were released. Rui'an Wooden Movable-type Printing Culture Research Institute was established in Pingyangkeng Town of Rui'an City; more than 10 relevant experts were involved in the research on the safeguarding of the element. Rui'an Surname Culture Research Association, based on the actual situation of the element, formulated "the Standards for Genealogy Compiling and Editing in Rui’an City (Trial)" and began to implement it on a pilot basis.
• Enhancing the visibility of the element
Permanent exhibitions were organized and representative works of the bearers were collected in Rui'an Movable-type Printing Exhibition Hall, Rui'an ICH Center, and Rui'an Museum. Experiential Learning Hall was set up in "the Chinese Movable-type Printing Culture Exhibition Hall" in Dongyuan Village, Rui'an City, where research and experiential activities were carried out by the bearers, involving 131,000 visits. This not only improved young people's understanding of the element, increased the bearers' income, but also created jobs for local communities. The bearers and related groups held exhibitions during such festivals and events as the Cultural and Natural Heritage Day, Zhejiang ICH Expo in 2019, the Third Grand Canal Cultural Tourism Exhibition, the Fourth and Fifth China Expo of Traditional Skills of Intangible Cultural Heritage, and participated in the shooting of documentaries and promotional films such as "the Art of Printing" and "Dongyuan Wooden Movable-type Printing" for the promotion of the element and related historical and cultural knowledge. The bearers set up more than 20 experience halls all over the country. Thematic inns, restaurants and camps were opened in Pingyangkeng Town, Rui'an City, which helped create more practice opportunities for the bearers and their income was improved; public respect for the bearers was enhanced, and more young people were attracted to get involved in the transmission and practice of the element.

B.3.c.

Participation of communities, groups or individuals in the safeguarding activities

Describe how communities, groups or, if appropriate, individuals as well as relevant non-governmental organizations have effectively participated, including in terms of gender roles, in the safeguarding measures. Describe the role of the implementing organization or body (name, background, etc.) and the human resources that were available for implementing safeguarding activities.

Participation of communities, groups or individuals in the safeguarding activities

Relevant communities, groups, individuals and non-governmental organizations have played a major role in the implementation of various safeguarding measures.
The representative bearers Wang Chuanqiao, Wang Zhiren, Wu Kuizhao and Wang Fawan consciously assumed their responsibility in the transmission, practice and development of the element by training apprentices, exploring ways to expand the scope of practice, and carrying out promotion and demonstration activities. For example, Wang Chuanqiao, Wang Zhiren and Wang Fawan were invited to teach at the training workshops; Wang Chuanqiao was engaged in the integration of the element with woodblock printing and bamboo paper making techniques; Wang Fawan opened an experience hall. Female practitioners have been increasingly involved in all aspects of the element; Ms. Wu Shumei was identified as the representative bearer.
Local communities still regarded movable-type printing as an important choice for the compiling and printing of clan genealogies; they voluntarily participated in the practice of the element with self-raised funds. For example, the Miao family of Xiyang Village, Anyang Street of Rui'an City, actively implemented the "the Standards for Genealogy Compiling and Editing in Rui'an City (Trial)", and entrusted Wang Chaoxi, the representative bearer, to revise its genealogy. Dongyuan Village of Pingyangkeng Town in Rui'an City, as the main community where the element is transmitted, improved the local infrastructure to bring convenience to the life and work of the bearers. The community in Anyang neighborhood in Rui'an City organized regular experience activities for local residents on its premises.
Rui'an Movable-type Printing Association served as the coordinator between the bearers and local governments, communities, enterprises and research institutes; it held training workshops, conducted educational activities in cooperation with schools, organized the bearers to participate in exhibitions and promotional activities, and reported on the safeguarding performance on a yearly basis. Experts from the Folk Artists Association and the Arts and Crafts Association jointly formed a group to provide intellectual support for the identification of bearers and the transmission activities. Rui'an Movable-type Printing Exhibition Hall and Experiential Learning Hall received a total of 131,000 visitors from all walks of life from 2019 to 2022, contributing greatly to the promotion and demonstration of the element. Rui'an Surname Culture Research Association carried out genealogical culture research, and was engaged in editing and compiling genealogies as entrusted by the clans.
Relevant communities and groups, governments at all levels and competent bodies have input about 49,000 people accumulatively in the safeguarding of the element.

B.3.d.

Timetable

Indicate in a timetable when each activity was implemented.

Timetable

The regular safeguarding activities include: providing financial support for the representative bearers at all levels to take apprentices and carry out transmission and practice activities; organizing educational activities in Rui'an Kaiyuan Vocational School and Zhejiang Industry & Trade Vocational College; holding exhibitions, experiential learning, and lectures on the element in Rui'an Movable-type Printing Exhibition Hall, and local community in Anyang, Rui'an City, and exploring ways to further expand the scope of practice of the element apart from the compiling and printing of clan genealogies.
The timetable for other specific safeguarding activities:
• In 2020 and 2021, Rui'an Movable-type Printing Association held training workshops once a year.
• In January 2021, one representative bearer was identified by Zhenjiang Province.
• In May 2022, five representative bearers were identified by Rui'an City.
• From 2019 to 2022, documents and recordings were digitalized and archived; the Chinese movable-type printing webpage was set up.
• From 2020 to 2022, academic activities such as "China (Rui'an) Movable-type Printing Transmission & Development Seminar" and "Academic Seminar on Movable-type Printing" were held and related research results were released. Rui'an Wooden Movable-type Printing Culture Research Institute was established in 2022.
• From 2021 to 2022, Rui'an Surname Culture Research Association prepared "the Standards for Genealogy Compiling and Editing in Rui'an City (Trial)", and participated in the compiling and editing of the genealogy for the Miao family from Xiyang Village, Anyang neighborhood, Rui'an City in May 2022, as part of the pilot program for the implementation of the standards.
• In 2019, Wenzhou Lefu Philanthropic Foundation signed the cooperative agreement with Rui'an Movable-type Printing Association in support of the latter's safeguarding activities. In 2022, the effectiveness of the safeguarding activities was evaluated and the fund was provided.
• In March 2021 and March 2022, the central government and Zhejiang provincial government issued their opinions on further strengthening the safeguarding of ICH respectively; relevant policies were revised accordingly in Rui'an City in 2022.
• The bearers and relevant communities took part in the Cultural and Natural Heritage Day activities for four consecutive years from 2019 to 2022, Zhejiang ICH Expo in 2019, China Expo of Traditional Skills of Intangible Cultural Heritage (Anhui Province) in 2019 and 2021, and the Third Grand Canal Cultural Tourism Expo (Jiangsu Province) in 2021.
• In September 2021, the documentary "Dongyuan Wooden Movable-type Printing" was filmed.
• In May 2022, the documentary "the Art of Printing" was produced.

B.3.e.

Budget expenditures

Provide the detailed amounts of the funds used for the implementation of each activity (if possible, in US dollars), identifying the funding source for each (governmental sources, in-kind community inputs, etc.).

Budget

Government resources (5.0597 million yuan)
• financial support for the representative bearers at all levels to train their apprentices (313,000 yuan) (among which, the annual subsidy for each provincial representative bearer has increased from 5,000 yuan to 8,000 yuan since 2022).
• training workshops and daily allowances for young apprentices during the training (160,400 yuan).
• bearers' programs for the integration of three techniques, namely movable-type printing, woodblock printing and bamboo paper making techniques (1.6 million yuan)
• engagement of the bearers and related groups in exhibitions and conferences (1.8183 million yuan )
• financial support for the operation and maintenance of transmission and experience bases of the bearers and related groups (100,000 yuan)
• documentation with digital means and shooting of feature films and short videos ( 220,000 yuan)
• academic exchanges and the establishment of Rui'an Movable-type Printing Culture Research Institute (530,000 yuan)
• procurement and collection of bearers' representative works and transmission instruments and organization of permanent exhibitions in Rui'an Movable-type Printing Exhibition Hall and Rui'an ICH Center (318,000 yuan)
Input from the communities (2.5387 million yuan)
• transmission and safeguarding activities, including two training workshops on wooden movable-type printing in Rui'an Movable-type Printing Association (97,000 yuan) (Dongyuan Village of Rui'an City provided the venues and human resources; Rui'an Movable-type Printing Association provided teaching tools; the bearers served as the facilitators of the workshops ).
• establishment of over 20 experience centers (900,000 yuan) (the bearers contributed capital and experiential appliances; the communities concerned provided the venues).
• Building of a permanent space for exhibitions and experiential learning in local community in Anyang neighborhood, Rui'an City (100,000 yuan) (the community provided the venue while the bearers served as tutors and appliances for experience).
• capital from Wenzhou Lefu Philanthropic Foundation (30,000 yuan) ( the fund was raised through social financing; Rui'an Movable-type Printing Association provided human and technical resources).
• educational courses provided by Rui'an Kaiyuan Vocational School and other educational institutions (51,700 yuan) (the schools provided the venues and human resources; the bearers provided tools and served as teachers).
• printing of genealogies (920,000 yuan) ( with self-raised fund from the clans).
• promotion and exhibition activities in campus, local communities and the countryside (240,000 yuan) (schools and communities provided the venues, and the bearers were engaged in promotion and demonstration).
• development of cultural products associated with the element by the bearers and related groups (200,000 yuan) (social endowment).

B.3.f.

Overall effectiveness of the safeguarding activities

Provide an overall assessment of the effectiveness of the activities undertaken to achieve the expected results and of the efficiency of the use of funds for implementing the activities. Please indicate how the activities contributed to achieving the results and whether other activities could have contributed better to achieving the same results. Also indicate whether the same results could have been achieved with less funding, whether the human resources available were appropriate and whether communities, groups and individuals could have been better involved.

Overall effectiveness of the safeguarding activities

In order to further improve the viability of the element, various safeguarding activities have been carried out during this reporting period based on the results achieved in the previous cycle. The following improvements have been realized.
The community-centered multiple actors have taken coordinated efforts and led to positive results. Bearers, relevant associations and organizations, educational institutes, experts and scholars, and governments at all levels, have played their respective advantages and taken synergistic actions to sustain the viability of the element which is taken as the common goal. The communities, groups and individuals concerned have been fully involved, mobilized, and taken the essential role in the safeguarding of the element.
The financing channels have become more diversified, and the use of funds been effectively supervised. Government inputs at all levels have remained as the major source of capital and guarantee for the safeguarding of the element, and the proportion of communities' input has been on the rise. In addition, efforts have been made to involve other social forces in the safeguarding activities. To ensure an efficient use of funds and thrift, open and transparent supervision methods have been adopted, for instance, to further specify the scopes and approaches to use the financial support for bearers' teaching activities and practice; the council of clan elders has been set up to take care of fund management and supervision.
The safeguarding measures have been effectively implemented. The past experience has shown the positive results that on-going training workshops can bring about. For example, the five newly identified representative bearers during this reporting period are mostly the registered apprentices and beneficiaries of the training workshops. Therefore, more training workshops will be provided in the next reporting period. The archives of the element have been greatly enriched through digitalization of documents and recordings. The research results on the element and its safeguarding are gradually increasing and have been applied to the safeguarding activities, as indicated by the formulation and pilot implementation of "the Standards for the Genealogy Compiling and Editing in Rui'an City (Trial)".
Further improvement will be made in the following aspects: to expand training and teaching content to build up bearers' knowledge storage including the genealogical culture; to apply more digital means to various safeguarding activities; to enhance the engagement of the bearers in the research of the element and its safeguarding, and promote the application of more research outcomes in the safeguarding activities.

C

Zhu

C. Update of the safeguarding measures

C.1.

Updated safeguarding plan

Please provide an update of the safeguarding plan included in the nomination file or in the previous report. In particular provide detailed information as follows:

  1. a. What primary objective(s) will be addressed and what concrete results will be expected?
  2. b. What are the key activities to be carried out in order to achieve these expected results? Describe the activities in detail and in their best sequence, addressing their feasibility.
  3. c. How will the State(s) Party(ies) concerned support the implementation of the updated safeguarding plan?

Updated safeguarding plan

In the next four years, the community-centered multiple actors will continuously cooperate with each other and jointly promote the transmission and development of the element. Expected results and main activities include:
• To enhance inter-generational transmission. The bearers will be further encouraged to pass on the core skills and relevant knowledge of the element. Apart form the traditional mode of transmission within families and from masters to their apprentices, training workshops will be held and the genealogical culture will be added to the agenda to improve the competence of the bearers. Long term corporation with primary and secondary schools and institutes of higher education will be established to ensure the training of talents.
• To support and encourage practice of the element. Efforts will be made to subsidize the bearers who stick to use movable-type printing for the compiling and editing of genealogies. Traditional crafts workstations will be established as the platform of cooperation and innovation between the bearers and related groups and professional institutions.
• To proceed with the fundamental safeguarding measures. Bearers' teaching practice and other aspects of the element will be recorded with digital means; public access to all recorded results and relevant archives will be facilitated via the Chinese movable-type printing webpage; research on genealogical culture will be enhanced; research findings will be applied to the safeguarding activities such as documentation, capacity building of bearers, and innovation of practice mode, and relevant communities and groups will be encouraged to take part in research activities.
• To further improve the visibility of the element. Promotion and demonstration activities will be carried out in different forms and through various channels and the coverage will be expanded by virtue of digital means, with a view to improving the local communities' understanding, respect and recognition of the skills, knowledge and cultural significance of the element, and raising the pubic awareness of intangible cultural heritage (including the element) and its importance.
The Chinese government will strongly support the implementation of various safeguarding measures in the future. The Ministry of Culture and Tourism and local governments at all levels will actively cooperate to provide policy and institutional guarantees, financial input and intellectual support for the safeguarding of the element, and particularly ensure the participation of relevant communities, groups and individuals to the maximum extent in the whole safeguarding process.

C.2.

Timetable for future actitivies

Provide a timetable for the updated safeguarding plan (within a time-frame of approximately four years).

00302,00303,00304,00305,00321,00322,00530

Timetable

Regular safeguarding activities:
To provide financial support for the representative bearers at all levels to take apprentices and carry out transmission and practice; organize educational activities in Rui'an Kaiyuan Vocational School and Zhejiang Industry & Trade Vocational College; hold exhibitions, experiential learning, and lectures of the element in Movable-type Printing Exhibition Hall and local community in Anyang, Rui'an City, and explore ways to further expand the scope of practice of the element apart from the compiling and printing of clan genealogies; strengthen research & development and training on transmission, innovation and modern application of the element through newly established traditional crafts workstations; carry out academic exchange activities such as "Transmission and Promotion of Traditional Printing Culture"; conduct research on genealogical culture and other related aspects in Rui'an Movable-type Printing Research Institute; facilitate the formulation and implementation of "Zhejiang Provincial Standards for Genealogy Compilation and Production" based on the implementation results of "the Standards for Genealogy Compiling and Editing in Rui'an City (Trial)" with the involvement of Rui'an Surname Culture Research Association; hold exhibitions and exchange activities during such events as China Movable-type Printing Culture and Tourism Festival.
Timetable for other specific safeguarding activities:
• From July 2022 to June 2026, to develop digital applications and enrich the content of the Chinese movable-type printing webpage; shoot documentaries and educational films of the element in 2023.
• From October 2022 to October 2025, to sign a three-year apprenticeship agreement with five newly identified representative bearers, and follow up the teaching and transmission status and evaluate the performance of their apprentices.
• In December 2022, to revise and publish "the Opinions on Strengthening the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage in Rui'an City".
• In 2023 and 2025, to hold two training workshops for the bearers and practitioners, with additional genealogical culture content.
• From 2024 to 2025, to collect materials of genealogical culture and set up Genealogical Cultural Center.
• In 2024, to hold the first China Movable-type Printing Derivatives Competition to encourage institutes of higher education to participate in the design and broaden the category of the derivatives of the element.

C.3.

Budget for future activities

Provide the estimates of the funds required for implementing the updated safeguarding plan (if possible, in US dollars), identifying any available resources (governmental sources, in-kind community inputs, etc.).

Budget

Government resources (6.17 million yuan):
• Promotion and dissemination activities (200,000 yuan)
• Digital applications (200,000 yuan)
• National academic exchange activities such as "Transmission and Promotion of Traditional Printing Culture" (1 million yuan)
• Exhibitions and exchange activities during such events as China Movable-type Printing Culture and Tourism Festival (900,000 yuan)
• Educational activities in primary and secondary schools and community-based experiential learning activities (550,000 yuan)
• Subsidy for the bearers to train their apprentices (75,000 yuan)
• Research on genealogical culture, collection of genealogy pictures, text files and objects for exhibition and display, and establishment of Genealogical Cultural Center (2 million yuan)
• Two training workshops, 20 participants for each (460,000 yuan, including daily allowances for the participants, payment for teachers, and expenditure on purchasing learning materials and tools)
• Production of documentaries and educational films (185,000 yuan)
• Research & development and experiential activities through traditional crafts workstations of the element (100,000 yuan)
• China Movable-type Printing Derivatives Competition (300,000 yuan)
• Support for bearers' practise in the editing and compiling of genealogies by applying techniques of the element (200,000 yuan)
Input from the communities (4.25 million yuan)
• Self-raised funds from communities and groups concerned for the editing and compiling of genealogies by using wooden movable-type printing techniques (about 2.6 million yuan)
• Research & development of movable-type derivatives by the bearers and related groups (150,000 yuan)
• Operation and maintenance of wooden movable-type research and learning experience centers of the bearers and related groups (about 1.5 million yuan)

C.4.

Community participation

Please describe how communities, groups and individuals, as well as relevant non-governmental organizations have been involved, including in terms of gender roles, in updating the safeguarding plan, and how they will be involved in its implementation.

00045

Community participation

The competent bodies of Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou City and Rui'an City, in collaboration with Rui'an ICH Safeguarding Center, formed a working group and coordinated multiple actors to update the safeguarding plan and prepare this report.
Local communities provided the working group with relevant information about their participation in safeguarding activities, analyzed the effectiveness of the safeguarding, current status of the element and risks faced over the past three cycles since the element was inscribed on the Urgent Safeguarding List, and put forward constructive ideas and suggestions on the updating of the safeguarding plan. For example, the representative bearers Wang Chuanqiao and Wu Shumei suggested that more attention be given to the training of young generation of bearers; Rui'an Movable-type Printing Association and Rui'an Surname Culture Research Association suggested from a long-term perspective that bearers' knowledge be further build up, their participation in research be promoted, and more research results be applied to the safeguarding activities. The safeguarding plan for the next period was finalized based on several rounds of consultations among multiple actors.
In the next reporting period, relevant communities, groups and individuals will, under the coordination of Zhejiang Provincial Department of Culture and Tourism and the cultural departments of Wenzhou City and Rui'an City, work together to implement various safeguarding measures, carry out transmission and practice, and promote exchanges and dialogue. All stakeholders will jointly discuss and determine the annual priorities. Zhejiang Provincial Department of Culture and Tourism and the cultural departments of Wenzhou City and Rui'an City will monitor the implementation status of the safeguarding plan and provide regular feedback to communities, groups and individuals concerned.

C.5.

Institutional context

Please report on the institutional context for the local management and safeguarding of the element inscribed on the Urgent Safeguarding List, including:

  1. a. the competent body(ies) involved in its management and/or safeguarding;
  2. b. the organization(s) of the community or group concerned with the element and its safeguarding.

2004-12-02

Institutional context

a.The competent bodies involved in its management and/or safeguarding:
Zhejiang Provincial Department of Culture and Tourism, China
Wenzhou Municipal Bureau of Culture, Radio & Television and Tourism, Zhejiang Province, China
Rui'an Municipal Bureau of Culture, Radio & Television, Tourism and Sports, Zhejiang Province, China
Rui'an ICH Safeguarding Center,Zhejiang Province, China
b. The organizations of the community or group concerned with the element and its safeguarding:
Enterprises started by bearers: Rui'an Dongyuan Movable-type Printing Co. Ltd., Wang Chuanqiao Wooden Movable-type Crafts Studio, Rui'an Bisheng Cultural Development Company, Wang Fawan Wooden Movable-type Cultural Creativity Co. Ltd.
NGOs: Zhejiang Rui'an Movable-type Printing Association, Rui'an Surname Culture Research Association, Rui'an Movable-type Printing Culture Research Institute.
Educational institutions and others: Rui'an Kaiyuan Vocational School, Rui'an Pingyangkeng School, Rui'an Ma'anshan Experimental Primary School; Rui'an Movable-type Printing Exhibition Hall and China Movable-type Printing Expert Committee.

D

Yanhui

D. Participation of communities in preparing this report

Describe the measures taken to ensure the widest possible participation of the communities, groups and, where applicable, individuals concerned as well as relevant non-governmental organizations during the process of preparing this report.

Participation of communities in preparing this report

According to the notice of the Department of Intangible Cultural Heritage, Ministry of Culture and Tourism on the drafting of the third periodic report, Zhejiang Provincial Department of Culture and Tourism, together with the competent bodies of Wenzhou City and Rui'an City, as well as Rui'an ICH Safeguarding Center, set up a working group for the preparation of the report, which was timely informed to the relevant communities, groups and the bearers.
To ensure the widest possible participation of relevant communities, groups, bearers and non-governmental organizations in the preparation of the report, the working group set up an instant online communication mechanism through new media platforms such as WeChat and Tencent QQ. A questionnaire was made to collect information about the transmission and safeguarding of the element during the reporting period from relevant communities, groups, individuals and other actors, and solicited their advice and suggestions on the implementation of the safeguarding measures. Field visits were paid to Dongyuan Village, Pingyangkeng Town, Xiqian Village of Caocun Town and Pingyang County in Rui'an City, with conducted interviews with community representatives, bearers and practitioners. The working group also attended the online training workshop, together with bearers and experts, to learn about specific requirements for the preparation of the report.
Based on the sorting and analysis of the collected information, data and suggestions, the working group wrote the first draft; then it solicited opinions from relevant communities, groups, bearers, non-governmental organizations, experts and other stakeholders through a couple of online & offline meetings for verification, modification and improvement. The report was finalized with the consensus of all stakeholders and submitted to the Ministry of Culture and Tourism.

E

Deputy Director
Division of International Organizations
Bureau of International Exchanges and Cooperation
Ministry of Culture and Tourism of China

E. Signature on behalf of the State Party

The report should be signed by an official empowered to do so on behalf of the State, and should include his or her name, title and the date of submission.

Name

Mr. GAO Zheng

Title

Director General, Bureau of International Exchanges and Cooperation, Ministry of Culture and Tourism, P. R. China

Date

12-12-2022

Signature

Gao Zheng

Upload signed version in PDF

Report on the status of an element inscribed on the list of intangible cultural heritage in need of urgent safeguarding

A. Cover sheet

A.1.

State Party

Name of State Party

China

A.2.

Date of deposit of the instrument of ratification, acceptance, approval or accession

This information is available online.

Date of deposit of the instrument of ratification, acceptance, approval or accession

2004-12-02

A.3.

Element inscribed on the Urgent Safeguarding List that is the subject of this report

Name of element

Wooden movable-type printing of China

Inscribed in

2010

Submitting State(s)

China

A.4.

Reporting period covered by this report

Please indicate the period covered by this report.

Reporting period covered by this report

01-01-2016 - 31-12-2018

A.5.

Other elements inscribed on the Urgent Safeguarding List, if any

Please list all other elements from your country inscribed on the Urgent Safeguarding List, together with the year of inscription; for multinational elements, please indicate the other States concerned.

Other elements inscribed on the Urgent Safeguarding List, if any

Hezhen Yimakan storytelling (2011)

Meshrep (2010)

Qiang New Year festival (2009)

Traditional design and practices for building Chinese wooden arch bridges (2009)

Traditional Li textile techniques: spinning, dyeing, weaving and embroidering (2009)

Watertight-bulkhead technology of Chinese junks (2010)

A.6.

Executive summary of the report

Please provide an executive summary of the report that will allow general readers to understand the current status of the element, any positive or negative impacts of inscription, the implementation of safeguarding measures during the reporting period and their possible update for the following years.

Executive summary of the report

According to relevant historical records, movable-type printing technique was invented in the Northern Song Dynasty (1041-1048 AD). Nowadays, with the popularity of modern printing technology, the viability of the element has been seriously endangered, and its transmission has been in a predicament. The inscription of the element on the List of Intangible Cultural Heritage in Need of Urgent Safeguarding in November 2010 (Decision 5.COM 5.2) has triggered discussions among Chinese people about intangible cultural heritage and their viability in the modern times. In this process, the public become increasingly aware of the importance of safeguarding intangible cultural heritage to the promotion of cultural diversity and human creativity. In particular, the communities, groups, and individuals concerned renewed their understanding of the element and its related folk custom and cultural space. The solidarity and cultural identification of the local communities were strengthened, and the visibility of the element and that of intangible cultural heritage in general were also promoted.
During the last reporting period, the safeguarding measures implemented and their effectiveness were confirmed by the Committee (Decision12.COM 8.c.7). It was pointed out in this Decision that, through establishing audio-visual documentation, providing capital support for bearers and practicing institutions, the State Party made positive efforts in safeguarding the element. In the current reporting period, in order to ensure the viability of the element, joint efforts were made between relevant communities, groups and individuals, and the competent bodies and Chinese governments at all levels. The safeguarding measures were implemented in deep cooperation among the above-mentioned stakeholders:
(1) The bearers were encouraged to take on apprentices to activate the internal vitality of the traditional modes of transmission. The neighboring communities were also mobilized and encouraged to be involved in practicing the movable-type printing technique. At present, 17 bearers commanding the whole process of the technique were identified as representative bearers. In addition, the number of practitioners directly involved in the transmission of the technique was about 240. Compared with the situation before the inscription, the number of bearers commanding the whole process of the technique was increased by 15, and the number of practitioners directly involved in the practice of the technique was increased by more than 130 (including 23 females).
(2) In response to Decision 12.COM 8.c.7, in strengthening the role of school education and transmission bases in the transmission of the element, relevant stakeholders continued to support three teaching bases (Kaiyuan Vocational Secondary School, Rui’an Pingyangkeng School and Rui’an Ma’anshan Experimental Primary School) and one transmission center (Wang Chuanqiao Wooden Movable-type Printing Handicraft Studio) during the reporting period, which aimed at ensuring the intergenerational transmission of the element through formal and informal education. In addition, Kaiyuan Vocational Secondary School was included in the second batch of the “Zhejiang List of ICH Teaching and Transmission Bases”, and was proclaimed “Zhejiang Advanced Unit for Popularization and Education of Traditional Culture”. Rui’an Movable-type Printing Association was included in the second batch of “ICH Safeguarding-through-Production Base” in Zhejiang Province.
(3) Such non-governmental organizations as Rui’an Movable-type Printing Association carried out training sessions for bearers and practitioners to promote the teaching and exchange of the technique. Two training workshops were respectively held in 2016 and 2018, with 38 apprentices in total participated. The Association continued to engage in the business printing editions of ancient books since 2015. By using the movable-type printing technique, it also printed important ancient books such as Doha and etc. The viability of the element was promoted through the market-oriented operation and management.
(4) The Movable-type Printing Culture Exhibition Hall was repaired and expanded to accommodate richer exhibits, objects and tools. Safeguarding measures regarding the preservation of ancient buildings in Dongyuan was confirmed and implemented. The Dongyuan Village was further developed into a community-based traditional cultural transmission base. As a result, the visibility of the element was promoted, the public’s recognition and understanding over it and its related cultural space and folklore were deepened, more and more people were summoned and became voluntarily involved in the safeguarding of ICH in general.

A.7.

Contact person for correspondence

Provide the name, address and other contact information of the person responsible for correspondence concerning the report.

Title (Ms/Mr, etc.)

Mr

Family name

ZHENG

Given name

Jianjun

Institution/position

Center for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage in Rui’an City, Zhejiang Province, China / Directorhanges and Cooperation Ministry of Culture and Tourism of China

Address

FL-4 Cultural Center, No. 8 Jiefang Zhonglu Road, Rui’an City, Zhejiang Province, China, 325200

Telephone number

0086-577-65877058

E-mail address

rasfy@sina.com

Other relevant information

www.muhuozi.com (website for Wooden movable-type printing of China)

B

Ms

B. Status of element inscribed on the Urgent Safeguarding List

Refer to the nomination file or to previous reports, if any, as the basis for reporting on the current status of the element, and report only on relevant changes since the date of inscription on the List or since the previous report. Nomination files, specific timetables and earlier reports, if any, are available at https://ich.unesco.org or from the Secretariat, upon request.

The State Party shall pay special attention to the role of gender and shall endeavour to ensure the widest possible participation of the communities, groups and, where applicable, individuals concerned as well as relevant non-governmental organizations during the process of preparing this report, and is asked to describe how it has done so in point D below.

B.1.

Social and cultural functions

Please explain the social and cultural functions and meanings of the element today, within and for its community, the characteristics of the bearers and practitioners, and any specific roles or categories of persons with special responsibilities towards the element, among others. Attention should be given to any relevant changes related to inscription criterion U.1 (‘the element constitutes intangible cultural heritage as defined in Article 2 of the Convention’).

Social and cultural functions

Movable-type printing technique is considered by the communities, groups, and individuals concerned as an important part of their cultural heritage. For the bearers, it is not only the technique transmitted from generation to generation within family, but also the important means for livelihood. The technique is mainly used in the compiling and printing of clan genealogies in local communities to record the history and kinship of their families. Therefore, as the carrier of the local history and culture, the movable-type printing technique not only provides technical support for the transmission of local culture, but also functions as an important media to maintain the inter-generational connection among the community members. Having spread to other areas in China, the element plays an important role in the social and cultural development of these places, and becomes an important cultural carrier for different groups to understand and recognize their history.
The essence of movable-type printing technique originates from the process where certain cultural and artistic concepts are updated and transmitted, and from the process where a scientific and practical system of technique is passed down from one generation to the next. Although the technique system has relatively fixed patterns and matured production processes, there is no standardized working models to be followed, which provides enough room for different communities, groups, and individuals to give full play to their creativity. The technique is mainly transmitted from bearers to their apprentices within families. A special ceremony for taking on apprentices is strictly abided. Individuals should be recognized by the local community before becoming a bearer in the system of intergenerational transmission. Decision 12.COM 8.c.7 pointed out that, the role of bearers in the development of the element should be emphasized and attached with great importance. Craftsmen engaged in the technique are not only experts of traditional printing techniques, but also bearers of Chinese genealogical culture. They are responsible for the editing, printing, and binding of different clan genealogies. Therefore, they are also known as the “Masters of Genealogy”. Generally speaking, women practitioners are weaker in strength, so they mainly work on the typesetting, printing, and binding, and so on. Wu Shumei, the daughter-in-law of Wang Chuanqiao, is a representative bearer of the element. Since 2017, she has overcome physical limitations of the female and started to learn engraving and other techniques used to be practiced mainly by male bearers. Through constant efforts, these female bearers have basically grasped the whole process of wooden movable-type printing technique and become an important force among the representative bearers of the element.
At present, the communities in which the element is being practiced and transmitted include the old areas of Dongyuan Village of Gaolou Town and Xiqian Village of Caocun Town in Rui’an City, as well as some adjacent and new areas such as Pingyang County. In these communities, representative bearers such as Wang Chaohui, Lin Chuyin, Wang Chuanqiao and Wang Zhiren continue to work on the printing, revision, compiling and preservation of clan genealogies for local communities. The above-mentioned representative bearers have carried out regular teaching activities on movable-type printing technique in middle and primary schools. By teaching the historical and cultural knowledge associated with the element to the students, these representative bearers continue to play an indispensable role in the safeguarding and transmission of the element.

B.2.

Assessment of its viability and current risks

Please describe the current level of viability of the element, particularly the frequency and extent of its practice, the strength of traditional modes of transmission, the demographics of practitioners and audiences and its sustainability. Please also identify and describe the threats, if any, to the element's continued transmission and enactment and describe the severity and immediacy of such threats, giving particular attention to any strengthening or weakening of the element’s viability subsequent to inscription.

Assessment of its viability and current risks

Current level of viability of the element
(1) Within the communities where the element is viable, the element still functions culturally in commemorating ancestors, transmitting history, and continuing identification. Thus, there are still comparatively great demands in the markets of Zhejiang, Fujian, and other places. For example, bearers in Dongyuan Village received more than 150 orders in 2016. The payment for these orders relied on the scale of the clan genealogy, and the annual income of a bearer was about 60,000 to 80,000 RMB, which was slightly increased and close to the average annual salary of a local skilled worker. This is in a sense helpful to the stabilization of local bearers and to the ensuring of the viability of the element.
(2) After inscription, the local communities, NGOs, and governmental institutions actively supported folk clans to conduct research on their genealogies, aiming at expanding the range for the application of movable-type printing technique. As a result, the market demand for the technique was in fact increased. In practice, community members also voluntarily used the technique to compile and print clan genealogies to ensure the frequency of its practice, thus ensuring the actual function of the element in the communal cultural system.
(3) In addition to the compiling and printing of clan genealogies, the publication of more ancient books further increased the practice frequency of the element and promoted its viability. For example, the local governments entrusted the Movable-type Printing Association to edit and publish 26 types of ancient books. Relevant communities were encouraged by the initiative and sought to sustain the cultural tradition through regular compiling and printing clan genealogies. As a result, a total of 31,000 books (as of December 2018, 1,000 to 3,000 copies for each type) were printed and for sale in bookshops. Some of the books were presented as gifts in foreign exchange. This further expanded the range of application for the movable-type printing technique.
(4) Representative bearers actively developed souvenirs related to the wooden movable-type printing technique, which effectively increased the number of related bearers and practitioners. For example, Wang Chuanqiao founded his Wooden Movable-type Printing Handicraft Studio in Dongyuan Village in 2013, which not only increased the number of apprentices and practice frequency of the element, but also raised the income of relevant practitioners and bearers.
Current risks to the element
(1) The traditional craftsmanship is under the impact of the modern technology and struggles in the contemporary social context. Considering the cost, many clans gave up movable-type printing technique for the relatively cost-saving computer digital printing in revising and compiling clan genealogies. As a result, the traditional market for the technique shrank and was occupied by the new technology. For example, in the past five years, more than 20 clan genealogies in Rui’an were printed with the computer digital printing, which was about 5% higher in number compared to the previous level.
(2) Movable-type printing technique is of complicated process with high technical contents. The bearer should not only master certain knowledge about the history and culture of the element, but also learn and practice brush handwriting of Chinese calligraphy and hand-operated engraving techniques. It usually takes at least two years for an apprentice to command the whole set of movable-type printing technique. Due to the utilitarian oriented values and rapid rhythm of development in modern society, together with the lack of incentives and securing mechanism, the young people are generally not interested in the safeguarding of the element.
(3) At present, movable-type printing technique is mostly used in rural areas. Although the payment is higher than before, it still remains at a comparatively low level. Therefore, some craftsmen need to do part-time jobs, or even change career, which restrains the sustainable development of the element.
(4) Currently, there are 17 representative bearers who master the whole set of movable-type printing technique (four have passed away since last reporting period). All of them are middle-aged or elderly people above 50 years old. The viability of the element may be further endangered in the future.

B.3.

Implementation of safeguarding measures

Please report on the safeguarding measures described in the nomination file, and previous report, if any. Describe how they have been implemented and how they have substantially contributed to the safeguarding of the element during the reporting period, taking note of external or internal constraints such as limited resources. Include, in particular, information on the measures taken to ensure the viability of the element by enabling the community to continue to practise and transmit it. Include the following detailed information concerning the implementation of the set of safeguarding measures or safeguarding plan:

B.3.a.

Objectives and results

Indicate what primary objective(s) were addressed and what concrete results were attained during the reporting period.

Objectives and results

(1) The safeguarding of the bearers: to continue the existing national mechanism of four-level (county, municipal, provincial and national levels) identification and recognition of representative bearers. A total of 17 representative bearers of movable-type printing technique were identified (including one departed bearer). About 240 people directly participated in the practice, including over 50 females (one of them was qualified to be identified as the representative bearer). Female practitioners played important roles in the transmission of the element, which was a positive signal for its sustainable development. In addition, Dongyuan Movable-type Printing Company in Rui’an continued to support relevant bearers for the production, practice and transmission of the element, and to improve its practice frequency through market-oriented management and sale.
(2) Promoting visibility: to continue supporting Rui’an Movable-type Printing Association to construct two teaching bases for the transmission of the element. Rui’an Dongyuan Movable-type Printing Culture Exhibition Hall was renovated and enlarged, and relevant historical antiquities, visual materials and on-spot demonstration sessions were added to the existing layout. As the Transmission Base of ICH and the Education Base of Traditional Culture in Wenzhou City, the Hall housed a series of exhibitions, which not only contributed to the promotion of the visibility of the element, but to that of the ICH in general among the public.
(3) Documentation: since 2016, on the basis of the general investigation over the communities and bearers concerned, the cultural eco-environment of the element, editions of ancient books, and etc., the modern digital technology was applied to record and preserve the core factors of the element such as the printing processe, folklore, taboos and tools. 486 G of videos, 6,560 M of photos, 308 M of texts, and more than 120 pieces of other materials were collected.
(4) Institutional Support: The Rui’an Center for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage was directly in charge of safeguarding the element. By clarifying relevant rights, obligations, and responsibilities, the Steering Group for Safeguarding Movable-type Printing Technique in Rui’an played a coordinative role ensuring the effective implementation and supervision of relevant safeguarding measures.
(5) Legislation: The Intangible Cultural Heritage Law of the People’s Republic of China, and the Regulations on Safeguarding ICH of Zhejiang Province, provided a legal basis for the implementation of the safeguarding measures proposed. Meanwhile, based on the local context, Rui’an City also drew up the specific guidelines to facilitate the safeguarding of the element, which substantially based the safeguarding work on the laws or regulations.

B.3.b.

Safeguarding activities

List the key activities that were carried out during this reporting period in order to achieve these expected results. Please describe the activities in detail and note their effectiveness or any problems encountered in implementing them.

Safeguarding activities

Focusing on bearers and increasing the frequency of practice
(1) The representative bearers were identified on the basis of the recommendation of the communities concerned. In order to improve their income and stimulate their enthusiasm to practice and transmit the element, governments at different levels provided financial support for the bearers. In addition, some assistance was also provided in terms of venues, reduction or exemption of taxes, financial loans, and administrative examination and approval.
(2) General investigation on the element was organized, and archives were established with modern multimedia technology. The viability of movable-type printing technique was evaluated by experts with the participation of the communities and bearers concerned. Through the complete documentation incorporating audio, visual, and textual materials, the historical development, the status of transmission, as well as other important information, were further confirmed.
(3) Training workshops were organized at the education and transmission base every two years. The transmission of the element and the training of the next generation of masters were centered around the representative bearers concerned. Rui’an Dongyuan Movable-type Printing Culture Exhibition Hall and Wang Chuanqiao Wooden Movable-type Printing Handicraft Studio organized a number of transmission activities. Meanwhile, they developed tourist souvenirs using cultural factors of the element, which in a way created opportunities for the apprentices to practice. Moreover, the income of relevant bearers was correspondingly increased, and more job opportunities were created for the local communities.
(4) Through the cooperation with the local government, taking advantage of various state-oriented projects to publish hard copies of ancient books, the practice frequency of the element, as well as its relevance to the social needs, were promoted. 15 important ancient books, including the Art of War, were reprinted since 2011. This not only provided an opportunity for the bearers and practitioners concerned to practice the element, but also promoted the influence and visibility of the element.
Dissemination and education
(1) From June to July every year, bearers were organized to participate in on-site activities on Rui’an Cultural Heritage Day to demonstrate the whole process of movable-type printing technique. They were also organized to participate in the ICH exhibition and exchange activities in other places, such as the thematic exhibition “Cultural Transmission and Future Prospect - Diversified Interaction between Chinese Movable-Type Printing and Modern Chinese Characters Ink Painting” held in Australia in December 2018, which further extended the influence of the element and attracted more attention from the public. On-site demonstrations by bearers and experiencing projects for visitors were added as well, in order to promote movable-type printing technique in the society.
(2) Various kinds of activities to introduce movable-type printing technique into campuses were organized, and teaching bases for the transmission of movable-type printing technique were established at middle and primary schools. Popular textbooks such as Movable-type Printing Technique in Dongyuan of Rui’an and Movable-type Printing Technique in Rui’an were adopted in the teaching of wooden movable-type printing technique at middle and primary schools, which improved the awareness of the importance of safeguarding ICH among young people.
(3) More than 200 pieces of news were released in different media. 10 thematic TV documentaries were broadcast since 2015, giving extensive introduction and dissemination of the element. This had a good social impact in the public and further strengthened the public opinion to support the safeguarding of the element.
(4) Through platforms and occasions such as the national Cultural and Natural Heritage Day, the UNESCO’s 2003 Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage and relevant national laws and regulations were highlighted and introduced. As a result, the awareness of the importance of safeguarding intangible cultural heritage among the public was promoted. The attention of the public was further attracted to the safeguarding of the element and ICH in general.
(5) To explore the sustainable development of the element and improve the visibility of the element among the academic community, and to provide intellectual support for the theoretical research and safeguarding of the element, the “China Rui’an Movable-type Printing Technique Seminar” was continually held. Coordinated by China Movable-type Printing Technique Expert Committee, extensive cooperation with colleges and folk-art associations was established to intellectually support the long-term safeguarding and development of the element.
Problems to be solved
(1) Lack of investment, the form of fund-raising remains simplex. Since the financial support for the safeguarding mainly comes from government investment, diversified fund-raising channels need to be explored. In addition to government investment, at the level of community and civil organization, their ways of contribution to the safeguarding of the element rely on providing human power or in-kind support. At present, only a few representative bearers like Wang Chuanqiao have the capability to raise funds on their own by developing and selling handicrafts or souvenirs related to the element. Other bearers can only rely on limited social and government support to continue their transmission and practice.
(2) The local competent bodies lack of relevant experiences in safeguarding the element, and the measures taken remain simplex. Currently, progress has been made by organizing thematic exhibitions of representative works for relevant bearers at the local exhibition halls and museums, which to an extent has improved the bearers’ income and stimulated their enthusiasm in the safeguarding efforts. However, influence still remains insignificant due to limited exposure. For the next stage, more funds should be provided in collecting the representative works of bearers and the size and frequency of the thematic exhibition should be increased. In addition, government could explore more diversified safeguarding methodology such as: drawing up relevant rules and setting up a rewarding mechanism to encourage social organizations to invest in the safeguarding; providing positions in the government for those apprentices of superb skills.
(3) The safeguarding measures lack of diversified methodologies, and the sustainable development of the element lacks of institutional guarantee. For young bearers (most of them are apprentices of identified bearers), they could hardly be identified as representative bearers due to the limited time in practicing the technique and their age. Therefore, it is difficult to work out the standard or procedure to provide them with financial aids (as the compensation for their work), which results in a fact that less young people especially the females are attracted to the safeguarding of the element. In addition, there is still no corresponding mechanism to encourage and guarantee the folk organizations (mainly the Clan Genealogy Compiling Committee) to use the element in the compiling and printing of clan genealogies.

B.3.c.

Participation of communities, groups or individuals in the safeguarding activities

Describe how communities, groups or, if appropriate, individuals as well as relevant non-governmental organizations have effectively participated, including in terms of gender roles, in the safeguarding measures. Describe the role of the implementing organization or body (name, background, etc.) and the human resources that were available for implementing safeguarding activities.

Participation of communities, groups or individuals in the safeguarding activities

Rui’an Movable-type Printing Association is a NGO founded voluntarily by the bearers and practitioners of the wooden movable-type printing technique. Currently, it has more than 130 members. Taking advantage of its large number of members, the association took many measures for the safeguarding and transmission of the element. For example, it purchased the raw materials and used the wooden movable-type technique to print hard copies of ancient books. It also organized activities to enhance the internal communication among the bearers. In January 2017, the Association was listed on the second batch of “ICH Safeguarding-through-Production Base” in Zhejiang.
The community member Wu Xiaohuai has been engaged in the research of wooden movable-type printing technique for a long time. In 2017, he was entrusted by the government to lead the decoration of the newly built Dongyuan Movable-type Printing Culture Exhibition Hall. Through the event, the safeguarding efforts and research results of the element were fully demonstrated and represented in visual, textual and in-kind forms.
The website of movable-type printing technique in China (www.muhuozi.com) hosted by Rui’an Movable-type Printing Association maintains normal operation. It covers 10 columns, including “introduction to the association”, “latest news”, “history of the technique”, “feature of the technique”, “business scope”, “bearers”, “exhibition and impact”, “transmission and safeguarding”, “members of the association” and “message board”. The website continues to play an important role in the dissemination and promotion of the element.
The members of China Movable-type Printing Technique Expert Committee mainly consist of the members from the Chinese Folk Literature and Art Association. All of them are local experts, who are responsible for the evaluation of ICH, as well as facilitating the identification of representative bearers and the transmission of the element.
From 2015 to 2018, a total of 126,000 visitors and professionals from the country and abroad visited the Rui’an Dongyuan Movable-type Printing Culture Exhibition Hall. The development of cultural tourism and creative souvenirs, provided opportunities for the apprentices to practice, thus improving bearers’ income and creating more jobs for the local community.
As competent bodies, the Bureau of Culture, Radio, TV, Film, Press and Publication in Rui’an City, Zhejiang Province and the Center for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage in Rui’an City, Zhejiang Province, play a coordinative role in the implementation of the safeguarding measures. Nearly 48,000 people from relevant communities, groups, government at all levels and competent bodies, are involved in the safeguarding of the element.

B.3.d.

Timetable

Indicate in a timetable when each activity was implemented.

Timetable

Governmental resources
2015-2018: filming documentaries of movable-type printing technique (30,000 RMB)
2015-2018: collecting information and images of movable-type printing technique (20,000 RMB)
2015-2018: financial aid for representative bearers (300,000 RMB)
2015-2018: making brochures for the publicity of movable-type printing technique (50,000 RMB)
2015-2018: financial aid for bearers (140,000 RMB)
2015-2018: participating in cultural fairs and other domestic activities (90,000 RMB)
2015-2018: financial aid for transmission of books made by the Movable-type Printing Technique (95,000 RMB)
April 2016: organizing the movable-type printing technique competition and evaluation of apprentices training (10,000 RMB)
2016-2017: building the new movable-type printing technology exhibition hall (4,100,000 RMB)
2017-2018: renovating the old movable-type printing technology exhibition hall (1,500,000 RMB)
2016-2018: purchasing equipment for the transmission of movable-type printing technique (180,000 RMB)
2016-2018: purchasing equipment for establishing archive and database (100,000 RMB)
2017: organizing the first Wooden Movable-Type Printing Culture and Tourism Festival (180,000 RMB)
Total: 6,795,000 RMB
Other resources
2016-2018: organizing transmission and safeguarding activities by Rui’an Movable-type Printing Association (160,000 RMB raised by members)
2016-2018: establishing teaching bases and opening training classes for the transmission of the element (50,000 RMB; Kaiyuan Secondary Vocational School and Rui’an Movable-type Printing Association provided the venue, and students provided tools)
2016-2018: organizing bearers to participate in various kinds of transmission and practice activities (40,000 RMB; bearers participated in the transmission and practice activities, and relevant communities provided the venue)
2016-2018: printing hard copies of ancient books like Doha and clan genealogies with wooden movable-type printing technique (1,180,000 RMB invested by relevant social resources; groups and individuals provided human power and technical resources)
2017: organizing movable-type printing exhibitions and safeguarding seminars (20,000 RMB funded by relevant groups)
2016-2018: organizing education activities introducing ICH into schools, communities and villages (80,000 RMB; schools and communities provided venues and human power, and bearers participated in the publicity and education activities)
2016-2018: compiling and publishing Movable-type Printing Technique textbooks (20,000 RMB funded by relevant groups)
2016-2018: supporting bearers for the transmission and recreation of the element (50,000 RMB funded by relevant groups)
2016-2018: collecting the tools and works of movable-type printing technique (250,000 RMB, integrated resources from the government and society)
Total: 1,850,000
Central government financial support
2016-2018: competent bodies from the central government allocated a total of 300,000 RMB to safeguard the element.

B.3.e.

Budget expenditures

Provide the detailed amounts of the funds used for the implementation of each activity (if possible, in US dollars), identifying the funding source for each (governmental sources, in-kind community inputs, etc.).

Budget

Governmental resources
2015-2018: filming documentaries of movable-type printing technique (30,000 RMB)
2015-2018: collecting information and images of movable-type printing technique (20,000 RMB)
2015-2018: financial aid for representative bearers (300,000 RMB)
2015-2018: making brochures for the publicity of movable-type printing technique (50,000 RMB)
2015-2018: financial aid for bearers (140,000 RMB)
2015-2018: participating in cultural fairs and other domestic activities (90,000 RMB)
2015-2018: financial aid for transmission of books made by the Movable-type Printing Technique (95,000 RMB)
April 2016: organizing the movable-type printing technique competition and evaluation of apprentices training (10,000 RMB)
2016-2017: building the new movable-type printing technology exhibition hall (4,100,000 RMB)
2017-2018: renovating the old movable-type printing technology exhibition hall (1,500,000 RMB)
2016-2018: purchasing equipment for the transmission of movable-type printing technique (180,000 RMB)
2016-2018: purchasing equipment for establishing archive and database (100,000 RMB)
2017: organizing the first Wooden Movable-Type Printing Culture and Tourism Festival (180,000 RMB)
Total: 6,795,000 RMB
Other resources
2016-2018: organizing transmission and safeguarding activities by Rui’an Movable-type Printing Association (160,000 RMB raised by members)
2016-2018: establishing teaching bases and opening training classes for the transmission of the element (50,000 RMB; Kaiyuan Secondary Vocational School and Rui’an Movable-type Printing Association provided the venue, and students provided tools)
2016-2018: organizing bearers to participate in various kinds of transmission and practice activities (40,000 RMB; bearers participated in the transmission and practice activities, and relevant communities provided the venue)
2016-2018: printing hard copies of ancient books like Doha and clan genealogies with wooden movable-type printing technique (1,180,000 RMB invested by relevant social resources; groups and individuals provided human power and technical resources)
2017: organizing movable-type printing exhibitions and safeguarding seminars (20,000 RMB funded by relevant groups)
2016-2018: organizing education activities introducing ICH into schools, communities and villages (80,000 RMB; schools and communities provided venues and human power, and bearers participated in the publicity and education activities)
2016-2018: compiling and publishing Movable-type Printing Technique textbooks (20,000 RMB funded by relevant groups)
2016-2018: supporting bearers for the transmission and recreation of the element (50,000 RMB funded by relevant groups)
2016-2018: collecting the tools and works of movable-type printing technique (250,000 RMB, integrated resources from the government and society)
Total: 1,850,000
Central government financial support
2016-2018: competent bodies from the central government allocated a total of 300,000 RMB to safeguard the element.

B.3.f.

Overall effectiveness of the safeguarding activities

Provide an overall assessment of the effectiveness of the activities undertaken to achieve the expected results and of the efficiency of the use of funds for implementing the activities. Please indicate how the activities contributed to achieving the results and whether other activities could have contributed better to achieving the same results. Also indicate whether the same results could have been achieved with less funding, whether the human resources available were appropriate and whether communities, groups and individuals could have been better involved.

Overall effectiveness of the safeguarding activities

(1) The rescuing recording and digital preservation of the element were successfully conducted, yielding fruitful achievements in documentation. A large amount of textual, visual, and audio information was collected and processed, especially the full records of the core components, technical process and characteristics, folk taboo and tools of the element, providing a solid basis of the thematic database under construction.
(2) The channels for raising funds are more diversified and fund utilization is more effectively supervised by all stakeholders. Governments at all levels, relevant communities, groups and bearers applied the safeguarding-through-production methodology, focusing mainly on printing works with the wooden movable-type printing technique. More than 100 clan genealogies or copies of ancient books were printed annually. Although different clans kept the tradition to revise their clan genealogies regularly for a long time, the revision of each clan varied in the period, range and quantity. Therefore, the channels for raising funds for the safeguarding of the element were diversified. When every time the clan genealogy was to be revised, a Council of Clan Elders would be established, which was responsible for managing and supervising the use of the fund to ensure its efficiency and avoid waste. In addition, the printed copies of clan genealogies needed to be examined by the Council, which in fact guaranteed the high quality of these copies.
(3) The number of bearers and practitioner increased. More people got involved in the safeguarding activities. Representative bearers are provided with financial aid and subsidies, as well as venues for transmission to stabilize the existing traditional transmission model and groups of bearers. Although the financial aid has been greatly increased, the effect is not satisfactory. It is suggested to further increase investment and subsidies in representative bearers.
(4) Through dissemination, education and popularization of the element, its visibility was correspondingly promoted. More and more people became known about the element. Currently, limited investment achieved satisfactory results. For the next step, this successful experience should be followed. In addition, measures such as introducing ICH into communities and schools, compiling local textbooks, publishing monographs, shooting films and documentaries, and etc., were proved effective in promoting the visibility of the element. Experiences as such indeed contributed to the awareness raising among the public, disseminating knowledge about the element, and creating a good atmosphere in the society. Nevertheless, attention should be paid to the exploration of new channels and methods in the dissemination of the element.
(5) The extensive participation of non-governmental industrial organizations and professional institutions has increased the efficiency in the comprehensive utilization of different resources. Institutes of higher learning and social organizations have participated in the safeguarding efforts by implementing various kinds of academic exchange and establishing the mechanism for providing scientific basis for safeguarding intangible cultural heritage. Although certain achievements have been made in the safeguarding work, we should still further sum up the experience and establish norms to ensure the targeted safeguarding and improve the efficiency in comprehensive utilization of different resources.

C

Zhu

C. Update of the safeguarding measures

C.1.

Updated safeguarding plan

Please provide an update of the safeguarding plan included in the nomination file or in the previous report. In particular provide detailed information as follows:

  1. a. What primary objective(s) will be addressed and what concrete results will be expected?
  2. b. What are the key activities to be carried out in order to achieve these expected results? Describe the activities in detail and in their best sequence, addressing their feasibility.
  3. c. How will the State(s) Party(ies) concerned support the implementation of the updated safeguarding plan?

Updated safeguarding plan

(1) To collect the representative works of bearers and organize thematic exhibitions at local exhibition halls and museums, and to promote the enthusiasm of bearers and increase their income. Dongyuan Movable-type Printing Culture Exhibition Hall has paid Wang Chaohui, Wang Chuanqiao, Wu Kuizhao and other bearers, for collecting their representative works exhibited in the new Dongyuan Movable-type Printing Culture Exhibition Hall. The Hall even keeps a regular and long-term session for them to present their works. This widely praised action attracts a large number of tourists, experts and scholars, and the exhibition even becomes an eye-catching event of the Hall. Meanwhile, Rui’an Museum also provided special funds and venues to organize exhibitions of the representative bearers’ works. These new efforts would not only enhance the influence and visibility of the element, but greatly stimulate the enthusiasm of the bearers and increase their income.
(2) To develop apprentice training mechanism, enlarge the team of bearers, and secure the dynamic transmission mode of the element. Movable-type printing technique training workshops will be organized every two years by Rui’an Center for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage and Rui’an Movable-Type Printing Association, aiming at enlarging the team of bearers. Each training session will last three months. Apprentices of representative bearers in Rui’an city, students from middle and primary schools who are willing to learn the technique, and teachers who teach movable-type printing classes in schools, will be the targeted audiences of the training. Representative bearers including Wang Chuanqiao and Wang Zhiren will serve as key lecturers for the demonstration of the whole process of the element including calligraphy, engraving, typesetting, printing and bookbinding. Rui’an Center for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage will also sign agreements with each representative bearer to take apprentice, stipulating that every representative must ensure at least one of their apprentices takes the training courses. Based on past experiences---the first training workshop (October 2016 - January 2017) had 20 participants and the second (July 2018 - October 2018) had 18 participants (including 11 middle and primary school students), this mechanism is proved effective and will be followed in the next stage of the implementation.
(3) To explore the possibility of promoting the dynamic transmission of the element through marketization. Wang Chuanqiao and his daughter-in-law successfully developed cultural creative products by combining wooden movable printing technique and block printing technique. Wang Fawan, the 34th generation of Dongyuan wooden movable-type printing technique, opened five experiencing centers in Dongyuan and Rui’an. These cases offer beneficiary experiences for the dynamic transmission of the element through marketization. Following the same idea, it is planned to develop relevant cultural creative products related to the element, and to promote their sales through internet. It is hoped that the overall profit of practicing the element will be increased, and the relevance of the element to the current social context will be strengthened through market- oriented operations.
(4) To explore the innovation to integrate three elements: movable-type printing, Zhima wood block printing technique and Pingzhi paper making technique, and to develop relevant handcrafts and artworks. The issue of the integration of the three elements extensively attracts the public’s attention and triggers comprehensive discussions at the local level. After months of efforts, Wang Chuanqiao and other representative bearers from Rui’an and Ouhai successfully printed ancient-style Wenzhou pictures on the pingzhi paper. Such case provides new scenario for the safeguarding of the movable-type printing technique. New ways of the creative integration of different ICH elements will be explored, which aims at enhancing the added value of relevant ICH products and ensuring the viability of relevant ICH elements.
(5) To provide institutional guarantee, including the rewarding and encouraging mechanism, for various stakeholders to be involved in the safeguarding of the element. Wenzhou and Rui’an municipal governments will ensure the implementation of relevant laws and regulations. For those bearers who pay their apprentices will be encouraged and rewarded by the local government. In addition, various social stakeholders will be encouraged to support and invest in the safeguarding of the element.
(6) Chinese governments at all levels will make greater efforts to safeguard the element. On the basis of more than 3,000,000 RMB the previous expenditure, it is planned to invest at least 300,000 RMB each year to ensure the transmission and development of the element.

C.2.

Timetable for future actitivies

Provide a timetable for the updated safeguarding plan (within a time-frame of approximately four years).

00302,00303,00304,00305,00321,00530

Timetable

Governmental Resources: 1,700,000 RMB
2016-2020: holding three training workshops for wooden movable-type printing techniques (300,000 RMB)
2018-2023: financial subsidies for the young and middle-aged representative bearers (about 400,000RMB)
2018-2022: financial support for NGOs (such as the Clan Genealogy Council) relating to the safeguarding of the element (1,000,000 RMB)
Other Resources: 3,600,000 RMB
2018-2022: foundation of the integration of three elements:
Establishing a research institute (500,000 RMB)
Producing the Pingzhi paper (600,000 RMB)
Engraving creative paintings (500,000 RMB)
Organizing relevant exhibitions and sales (800,000 RMB)
2018-2022: establishing operating studios for the integration and development of wooden movable-type printing and block printing techniques; establishing research and experiencing centers of the element.
Total: 5,300,000 RMB

C.3.

Budget for future activities

Provide the estimates of the funds required for implementing the updated safeguarding plan (if possible, in US dollars), identifying any available resources (governmental sources, in-kind community inputs, etc.).

Budget

Governmental Resources: 1,700,000 RMB
2016-2020: holding three training workshops for wooden movable-type printing techniques (300,000 RMB)
2018-2023: financial subsidies for the young and middle-aged representative bearers (about 400,000RMB)
2018-2022: financial support for NGOs (such as the Clan Genealogy Council) relating to the safeguarding of the element (1,000,000 RMB)
Other Resources: 3,600,000 RMB
2018-2022: foundation of the integration of three elements:
Establishing a research institute (500,000 RMB)
Producing the Pingzhi paper (600,000 RMB)
Engraving creative paintings (500,000 RMB)
Organizing relevant exhibitions and sales (800,000 RMB)
2018-2022: establishing operating studios for the integration and development of wooden movable-type printing and block printing techniques; establishing research and experiencing centers of the element.
Total: 5,300,000 RMB

C.4.

Community participation

Please describe how communities, groups and individuals, as well as relevant non-governmental organizations have been involved, including in terms of gender roles, in updating the safeguarding plan, and how they will be involved in its implementation.

00045

Community participation

(1) The bearers concerned were actively engaged in the update and implementation of the safeguarding measures. Since 2015, the representative bearers Wang Chaohui, Lin Chuyin, Wang Chuanqiao and Wang Zhiren not only devoted themselves in transmission and safeguarding activities organized by the Teaching Base, but also actively participated in symposiums organized by communities, groups and government for the update of the safeguarding plans. Their proposal of prepaying subsidies for the bearers was adopted by the government. In particular, Wang Chuanqiao had been teaching his daughter-in-law the movable-type printing technique since 2015, who was able to master the whole set of techniques including the extremely difficult engraving technique in 2018. They were both involved in the fieldwork and symposium held in Zeya Town (Ouhai District, Wenzhou City), which aimed at exploring the integration of the three elements. Wang Chaohui, Lin Chuyin and Wang Chuanqiao promised to continue to participate in the implementation of the updated safeguarding plans. They will play active roles in the teaching sessions to involve more people into the transmission of the element. In addition, by searching for more orders and increasing the income through practicing the element, they will try their best to place the transmission of the element on a more solid economic basis.
(2) Communities and groups are the social and cultural foundation for the transmission of the element. Over the past three years, they were deeply involved in the safeguarding of the element in the following two aspects: 1) involvement in the update of the safeguarding plan on clan genealogies; 2) providing support and logistics for the training sessions. Taking Rui'an Movable-type Printing Association as a case, by taking the advantage of its large number of members and practitioners, it substantially promoted the implementation of the safeguarding and transmission plan: purchasing high-quality timbers for professionals to engrave the type matrix; holding annual meetings and thematic conferences to report on the status quo of the element and awarding outstanding bearers and craftsmen; ensuring the normal operation of Dongyuan Movable-Type Printing Co., Ltd., and taking in orders to print the copies of ancient books.
(3) Dongyuan Village, Pingyangkeng Town, Rui’an City actively cooperated with governments at all levels in the implementation of the safeguarding plan, by applying for more fund from the local government, improving the transportation conditions of the Village as a core area of the element, and creating a better living and working environment for the bearers concerned. Dongyuan Village and Rui'an Movable-type Printing Association promised they will continue to try their best to contribute to the safeguarding and transmission of the element. Zhejiang and Rui’an governments promised they will further strengthen the current safeguarding efforts; On the basis of the existing expenditure of 3,000,000 RMB, at least another 400,000 RMB special fund will be invested each year to ensure the transmission and development of the element.

C.5.

Institutional context

Please report on the institutional context for the local management and safeguarding of the element inscribed on the Urgent Safeguarding List, including:

  1. a. the competent body(ies) involved in its management and/or safeguarding;
  2. b. the organization(s) of the community or group concerned with the element and its safeguarding.

2004-12-02

Institutional context

a. the competent bodies involved in its management and/or safeguarding
(1) Bureau of Culture, Radio, TV, Film, Press and Publication, Rui’an City, Zhejiang Province
(2) Center for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Rui’an City, Zhejiang Province
b. organizations of the community or group concerned with the element and its safeguarding
(1) Rui’an Movable-type Printing Association, Zhejiang Province
(2) Dongyuan Movable-type Printing Company, Rui’an City, Zhejiang Province
(3) China Movable-type Printing Culture Exhibition Hall, Dongyuan, Rui’an City, Zhejiang Province
(4) Wang Chuanqiao Wooden Movable-type Printing Handicraft Studio
(5) Kaiyuan Vocational Secondary School, Rui’an City, Zhejiang Province
(6) Ma‘anshan Experimental Primary School, Rui’an City, Zhejiang Province
(7) Pingyangkeng School, Rui’an City, Zhejiang Province
(8) China Movable-type Printing Technique Expert Committee

D

Yanhui

D. Participation of communities in preparing this report

Describe the measures taken to ensure the widest possible participation of the communities, groups and, where applicable, individuals concerned as well as relevant non-governmental organizations during the process of preparing this report.

Participation of communities in preparing this report

(1) Relevant bearers offered the first-hand material needed for the current report. The report was drafted under the full participation of the bearers concerned, and their ideas and suggestions were respected and reflected in the report. For example, four representative bearers such as Wang Chaohui and Wang Chuanqiao attended the meetings organized by relevant organizations from April to May in 2018 for the preparation of the report. In October 2018, they also participated in the field research organized by the competent bodies of the element for the drafting of the report. In addition, they were deeply involved in the elaboration and update of the safeguarding measures proposed, and some of their suggestions and comments were adopted.
(2) The communities concerned played active roles in preparing the report. Relevant communities, groups, and individuals of the element, especially the villages, families and community members concerned provided necessary information needed for the drafting of the report. In 2016 and 2017, through close cooperation with the fieldworkers, they provided precious textual and visual information for the preparation of the report.
(3) Positive facilitation of governments at all levels and deep engagement of experts. Working groups for preparing the report were both established at Zhejiang Provincial Department of Culture, and Rui’an Municipal Bureau of Culture, Radio, TV, Film, Press and Publication. Meanwhile, relevant experts and report drafters were organized to conduct the thematic field research to collect necessary information. During April and May in 2018, Relevant symposiums were organized to discuss the drafting of the report. In October 2018, report drafters and experts were organized to visit several representative bearers and collect their comments over the revision of the report. All funds related to the process were provided by the concerned communities, groups and the local government. By organizing and coordinating relevant scholars and experts to conduct thematic field research, Zhejiang Provincial Center for the Safeguarding of ICH also provided professional assistance for the drafting of the report.

E

Deputy Director
Division of International Organizations
Bureau of International Exchanges and Cooperation
Ministry of Culture and Tourism of China

E. Signature on behalf of the State Party

The report should be signed by an official empowered to do so on behalf of the State, and should include his or her name, title and the date of submission.

Name

XIE Jinying

Title

Director General, Bureau of International Exchanges and Cooperation, Ministry of Culture and Tourism of the People’s Republic of China

Date

11-12-2020

Signature

Upload signed version in PDF

Report on the status of an element inscribed on the list of intangible cultural heritage in need of urgent safeguarding

Cover sheet

State Party

Name of State Party

China

Date of deposit of the instrument of ratification, acceptance, approval or accession

This information is available online.

Date of deposit of the instrument of ratification, acceptance, approval or accession

2004-12-02

Element inscribed on the Urgent Safeguarding List that is the subject of this report

Name of element

Wooden movable-type printing of China

Inscribed in

2010

Reporting period covered by this report

Please indicate the period covered by this report.

Reporting period covered by this report

January 2011 - December 2015

Other elements inscribed on the Urgent Safeguarding List, if any

Please list all other elements from your country inscribed on the Urgent Safeguarding List, together with the year of inscription; for multinational elements, please indicate the other States concerned.

Other elements inscribed on the Urgent Safeguarding List, if any

Hezhen Yimakan storytelling (2011)

Meshrep (2010)

Qiang New Year festival (2009)

Traditional design and practices for building Chinese wooden arch bridges (2009)

Traditional Li textile techniques: spinning, dyeing, weaving and embroidering (2009)

Watertight-bulkhead technology of Chinese junks (2010)

Executive summary of the report

Please provide an executive summary of the report that will allow general readers to understand the current status of the element, any positive or negative impacts of inscription, the implementation of safeguarding measures during the reporting period and their possible update for the following years.

Executive summary of the report

As one of the Four Great Inventions in ancient China, movable-type printing technique was invented during the reign of Emperor Renzong of the Northern Song Dynasty (1041-1048 AD). According to the technique, Chinese characters of different materials are engraved, picked out, and arranged into typeface based on the requirement of the text to be printed for completing the printed material with a series of specific processes. The popularity of modern printing technology has seriously endangered the survival of the technique and pushed its viability into a tight corner. The inscription of the element into the list has brought about positive social impact, and the public is increasingly aware of the vital importance of safeguarding intangible cultural heritage to the preservation of cultural diversity and creativity of human beings. Especially the communities, groups, and individuals concerned renewed the understanding of the folk custom and culture related to the element in the safeguarding activities, promoted the cultural identity within the communities, and improved the awareness of the public to respect the cultural diversity and creativity of human beings. During the reporting period (2011-2015), through the in-depth cooperation between the government and the public to safeguard the element, the viability and social visibility of the element have been greatly enhanced.
(1) Through the establishment of the safeguarding mechanism, the bearers have been encouraged to take on apprentices to activate the internal vitality of the traditional modes of transmission. At present, 22 bearers commanding the whole process of the technique have been identified as representative bearers. In addition, the number of practitioners directly involved in the transmission of the technique is about 240. Compared with the situation before the inscription, the number of representative bearers and practitioners directly involved in the transmission of the technique has increased by 15 and over 130 (including 4 females) respectively.
(2) Wang Chuanqiao Wooden Movable-type Printing Handicraft Workshop has been established for the promotion and publicity of the technique. Two Teaching Bases for Wooden Movable-type Printing Transmission have been founded in Kaiyuan Vocational Secondary School and Pingyangkeng School in Rui’an, Zhejiang Province, respectively and Wooden Movable-type Printing Technique in Dongyuan of Rui’an has been included into the school textbooks on intangible cultural heritage to promote the intergenerational transmission of the element.
(3) Such non-governmental organizations as Rui’an Movable-type Printing Association have carried out training among bearers and related practitioners for study and exchange on the technique on one hand and undertaken the printing business of ancient books since 2011 on the other hand to enhance the viability of the element through market operation.
(4) The Movable-type Printing Culture Exhibition Hall has been expanded. Community Traditional Culture Transmission Base has been constructed in Dongyuan Village to attract community members to participate in safeguarding the element and improve its visibility and influence.

Contact person for correspondence

Provide the name, address and other contact information of the person responsible for correspondence concerning the report.

Title (Ms/Mr, etc.)

Mr

Family name

Zheng

Given name

Jianjun

Institution/position

Director

Address

Center for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage in Rui’an City, Zhejiang Province FL-13 Anyang Dasha, Wansong Donglu 325200 Rui’an City Zhejiang Province

Telephone number

+86-577-65877058

Fax number

E-mail address

rasfy@sina.com

Other relevant information

B

Mr

B. Status of element inscribed on the Urgent Safeguarding List

Refer to the nomination file or to previous reports, if any, as the basis for reporting on the current status of the element, and report only on relevant changes since the date of inscription on the List or since the previous report. Nomination files, specific timetables and earlier reports, if any, are available at https://ich.unesco.org or from the Secretariat, upon request.

The State Party shall pay special attention to the role of gender and shall endeavour to ensure the widest possible participation of the communities, groups and, where applicable, individuals concerned as well as relevant non-governmental organizations during the process of preparing this report, and is asked to describe how it has done so in point D below.

B.1.

Social and cultural functions

Please explain the social and cultural functions and meanings of the element today, within and for its community, the characteristics of the bearers and practitioners, and any specific roles or categories of persons with special responsibilities towards the element, among others. Attention should be given to any relevant changes related to inscription criterion U.1 (‘the element constitutes intangible cultural heritage as defined in Article 2 of the Convention’).

Social and cultural functions

Movable-type printing technique is considered by relevant communities, groups, and individuals as an important culture legacy. It is not only the technique transmitted from generation to generation in the family but also the means for them to earn a living. The technique is mainly used in the compiling and printing of clan genealogies in local communities to record the development history and family kinship with movable-type printing. Therefore, as the technical support of the local history and culture, movable-type printing technique not only provides stable physical carrier and presenting mode for the continuation of culture and family transmission but also undertakes the important function to transmit culture knowledge among communities, groups, and individuals through extensive application in the editing and publishing of ancient cultural codes and records.
Craftspeople engaging in traditional printing techniques are known as the "genealogy master". They undertake the editing, printing, and binding of different clan genealogies. Because women practitioners are weaker in arm strength, they mainly work on the typesetting, printing, and binding, and so on. The essence of movable-type printing technique comes from the updating and transmission of specific cultural and artistic concepts and is a process for intergenerational transmission of a scientific and practical system of technique. Although the technique system is of relatively fixed pattern and mature production process, there is no standard work model, which provides room for different communities, groups, and individuals to give full play to their creativity. The technique is mainly transmitted from bearers to their apprentices within a family. A specific procedure for taking on apprentices is strictly followed. Individuals should be recognized by the local community to become a bearer in the system of intergenerational transmission.
At present, the communities participating in the transmission of the movable-type printing technique have expanded from Dongyuan Village of Gaolou Town and Xiqian Village of Caocun Town in Rui’an City to the adjacent Pingyang County. Such representative bearers as Wang Chaohui, Lin Chuyin, and Wang Chuanqiao are playing an indispensable role in the process of safeguarding and transmission. On one hand, they undertake the work to compile and print clan genealogies for local communities; on the other hand, they carry out regular teaching activities on movable-type printing technique in middle and primary schools to teach cultural knowledge associated with it.

B.2.

Assessment of its viability and current risks

Please describe the current level of viability of the element, particularly the frequency and extent of its practice, the strength of traditional modes of transmission, the demographics of practitioners and audiences and its sustainability. Please also identify and describe the threats, if any, to the element's continued transmission and enactment and describe the severity and immediacy of such threats, giving particular attention to any strengthening or weakening of the element’s viability subsequent to inscription.

Assessment of its viability and current risks

—Current Level of Viability of the Element
(1) For the internal vitality of intangible cultural heritage and the continuous demand for printing clan genealogies, the intergenerational transmission of the element in relevant communities has continued to the present day There is still comparatively great demand in markets of Zhejiang, Fujian, and other places. The viability of the element inside communities still serve for the cultural function to commemorate ancestors, transmit history, and continue identity. For example, bearers of wooden movable-type printing technique in Dongyuan Village received over 120 orders in 2013. The payment for these orders is decided by the scale of the clan genealogy. The annual income of a bearer is about 50,000 to 70,000 yuan, which is slightly increased and close to the average annual salary of a local skilled worker.
(2) After the inscription, the local communities, non-governmental organizations, and governmental departments actively supported the research on clan genealogy by folk clans to expand the extent of the application of movable-type printing technique and improve the actual demand of the market for the technique. In practice, community members also voluntarily used the technique to compile and print clan genealogies to ensure the transmission and identification function of the element in community cultural system through improving the frequency of its practice.
(3) In addition to the compiling and printing of clan genealogies, the publication of more ancient books further increased the frequency of the practice of the element and improved its viability. For example, in order to safeguard the traditional culture, the local governments entrusted the Movable-type Printing Association with the collation and publication of 15 ancient books while encouraging relevant communities to maintain the cultural tradition to regularly compile and print clan genealogies. In total 26,000 books have been printed, which were sold in bookshops and given as gifts in foreign exchange, to expand the extent of the practice of movable-type printing technique.

—Current Threats to the Element
(1) Modern technology is impacting and replacing traditional craftsmanship. With the continuous development of modern computer and digital printing technology, computer printing at relatively low cost is becoming increasingly popular. Considering the cost, many clans have discarded movable-type printing technique in rewriting and compiling clan genealogies. Instead, they have adopted the technique of computer digital printing. As a result, the traditional market for the technique has been dwindled and occupied.
(2) Movable-type printing technique is of complicated process with high technological contents. The bearer should not only master certain knowledge of history and culture but also learn and practice brush handwriting of Chinese calligraphy and hand-operated engraving techniques. It usually takes an apprentice at least two years to command the whole set of movable-type printing technique. In the modern society oriented by social utilitarianism, young people are generally lack of patience and interest to it.
(3) At present, movable-type printing technique is mostly used in rural area. Although farmers pay more for it than before, the payment is still comparatively low. Therefore, some craftspeople of the technique should do some part-time jobs or even find new jobs.
(4) There are only 22 representative bearers who master the whole set of movable-type printing technique and all of them are middle-aged or elderly people above 50 years old. There could be no bearers of the technique in the future. Without further safeguarding, it is possible that the precious traditional craftsmanship will be lost.

B.3.

Implementation of safeguarding measures

Please report on the safeguarding measures described in the nomination file, and previous report, if any. Describe how they have been implemented and how they have substantially contributed to the safeguarding of the element during the reporting period, taking note of external or internal constraints such as limited resources. Include, in particular, information on the measures taken to ensure the viability of the element by enabling the community to continue to practise and transmit it. Include the following detailed information concerning the implementation of the set of safeguarding measures or safeguarding plan:

B.3.a.

Objectives and results

Indicate what primary objective(s) were addressed and what concrete results were attained during the reporting period.

Objectives and results

(1) Safeguarding bearers: The safeguarding and identification mechanism of representative bearers has been established. In total 22 representative bearers of movable-type printing technique have been identified. About 240 people have directly participated in the practice, including over 50 females. The increasing number of female bearers reflects further improvement of the viability of the element. Meanwhile, Rui'an Dongyuan Movable-type Printing Company has been founded to facilitate the production practice and transmission by bearers of the technique and improve the frequency of its practice through management and selling.
(2) Increasing visibility: We have provided support for Rui'an Movable-type Printing Association, established and improved two teaching bases for the transmission of wooden movable-type printing technique, and expanded Rui'an Dongyuan Movable-type Printing Culture Exhibition hall where relevant historical objects, video materials, and images are shown and on-site demonstration of the technique are organized. The exhibition hall has been listed as the Base for Transmission of Excellent Intangible Cultural Heritage of Wenzhou City and is a traditional culture education base for local students. These efforts have effectively improved the recognition of local people of the element and the concept of intangible culture heritage.
(3) Establishing archive: general investigation on the bearing places, bearers, cultural eco-environment, ancient books, printing technology, tools and facilities has been made. Modern digital technology is adopted for recording and preserving the project elements, technical process, feature, folk taboo, tools and physical assets of movable-type printing technique. 243 G of videos, 4580 M of photos, 108 M of texts, and over 60 pieces of other physical assets and cultural and historical materials have been collected.
(4) Institutional Guarantee: Rui'an City founded the “Leading Group for Safeguarding Movable-type Printing Technique" and clarified relevant rights, obligations, and responsibilities. The Center for the Safeguarding of ICH in Rui'an City is responsible for coordinating the safeguarding activities.
(5) Legislative Protection: such laws and regulations as the Intangible Cultural Heritage Law of the People’s Republic of China, and the Regulations on Safeguarding ICH of Zhejiang Province, have been issued and implemented. Based on the actual need for safeguarding local cultural heritage, Rui'an City also made planning and detailed methods for safeguarding the element to ensure the implementation of the safeguarding work according to laws and regulations.

B.3.b.

Safeguarding activities

List the key activities that were carried out during this reporting period in order to achieve these expected results. Please describe the activities in detail and note their effectiveness or any problems encountered in implementing them.

Safeguarding activities

—Safeguarding Bearers and Increasing the Frequency of Practice
(1) On the basis of the recommendation of communities, representative bearers have been identified. In order to improve their income and raise their enthusiasm for carrying out practice and transmission activities, governments at different levels have provided funds for bearers to support their practice and transmission activities and daily life and preferential policies for them in terms of use of venues, reduction or exemption of tax, financial loans, and administrative examination and approval.
(2) General investigation for saving the element has been organized and archives have been established with modern multimedia technology. The viability of movable-type printing technique has been fully investigated by more than 20 professional and part-time workers. Relevant archives in the form of audio, video, and image, and so on, have been established.
(3) Movable-type printing technique training sessions have been organized at the educational base for the transmission every two years to promote the practice and transmission as well as the training of new generation of craftspeople with the focus on bearers. Rui'an Dongyuan Movable-type Printing Culture Exhibition Hall and Wang Chuanqiao Wooden Movable-type Printing Handicraft Workshop have organized a diversity of transmission activities. Meanwhile, they have taken the development of Dongyuan movable-type printing culture tourism as an opportunity to develop souvenirs with elements related to wooden movable-type printing technique. In this way, the apprentices have got more chances to practice, the bearers and practitioners have increased their income, and more job vacancies have been created for the local communities.
(4) Ancient books have been reprinted in cooperation with local governments to give full play to the social service function of the element. 15 important ancient books, including The Art of War, have been reprinted since 2011, which not only provided an opportunity for the transmission practice but also further expanded the impact of the element.
—Social Publicity and Popularization
(1) Bearers have been organized to participate in activities of Rui'an Culture Heritage Day to demonstrate the whole process of movable-type printing technique on the site from June to July every year. Besides, they have also been organized to participate in the intangible cultural heritage exhibition and exchange activities in other places, such as "Grand Exhibition of the Achievements in Productivity-oriented Preservation of Intangible Cultural Heritage in China" (Beijing and Chengdu), and "Root and Soul—Grand Exhibition of Intangible Cultural Skills in China" (Taiwan), which expand the impact of the element and attract more attention from the public.
(2) Various kinds of activities to promote movable-type printing technique into communities and campuses have been organized and teaching bases for the transmission of movable-type printing technique have been established. Two popular textbooks, namely Movable-type Printing Technique in Dongyuan of Rui'an and Movable-type Printing Technique in Rui'am, have been compiled for the implementation of teaching and publicity of wooden movable-type printing technique in middle and primary schools to improve the awareness of the importance of the safeguarding efforts among young people and students. On-site demonstrations by bearers and projects for visitors to experience the technique have been added to exhibitions to promote movable-type printing technique in the society.
(3) More than 300 pieces of news have been published on such news media as People's Daily, Guangming Daily, and China Ethnic News, and 10 thematic TV documentaries have been broadcast on CCTV and other media to give extensive introduction and presentation of the element, which have achieved good social impact.
(4) The UNESCO Convention on the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage and relevant national laws and regulations have been learned and promoted on Culture Heritage Day and in other forms to improve the awareness of the importance of safeguarding intangible cultural heritage among all walks of life and attract more people to participate in the safeguarding of the element.
(5) Relevant communities have cooperated with colleges and universities such as Wenzhou University and folk literature and art associations at city and province levels to found the China Movable-type Printing Technique Expert Committee. Intellectual support has been provided for the safeguarding activities through academic research and discussion to explore the sustainable development of the element.
—Problems to be Solved
(1) Since the funds for safeguarding mainly come from government investment, diversified funds raising channels are to be explored. Apart from government investment, the contributions of communities, groups, and individuals are mainly in the form of providing physical assets and human power. At present, only a few provincial level bearers like Wang Chuanqiao have the capability to raise funds on their own for developing and selling handicrafts or promotional items related to the movable-type printing technique. In addition, diversified social resources for safeguarding the element could not be effectively utilized under the structure of single source of funds.
(2) The routine safeguarding methods fail to fully arouse the enthusiasm of bearers and reserve talents to participate in the safeguarding efforts. The existing safeguarding measures still follow the routine of exhibition, taking apprentices, and providing financial support, and so on. For the next stage of the safeguarding work, new methods should be explored. For example, museums could provide funds to collect representative works of bearers and organize thematic exhibitions to improve the income of bearers; government could make the system and measures to encourage social groups to invest in safeguarding activities; and apprentices of superb skills could be employed as professional workers.
(3) Diversified multi-level safeguarding measures should be explored to ensure the sustainable development of the element. Take the new method adopted by a few bearers like Wang Chuanqiao for example, they tried to develop movable-type printing culture tourism and related souvenirs, yet the local authorities and communities didn't pay much attention to it or provide support for it. For young bearers (most of them are apprentices of identified bearers), they could hardly be identified as bearers for their limited time in practicing the technique and age. Therefore, it is difficult to make the standard and procedure for providing financial aids for those spending their work time learning the technique to stabilize the team of reserve talents and attract more young people, especially young females, to participate in the transmission of the element. In addition, there is still no corresponding incentive mechanism to mobilize the non-governmental organizations (mainly the Clan Genealogy Compiling Committee) which actively use traditional movable-type printing technique for compiling and printing clan genealogies to participate in the safeguarding efforts.

B.3.c.

Participation of communities, groups or individuals in the safeguarding activities

Describe how communities, groups or, if appropriate, individuals as well as relevant non-governmental organizations have effectively participated, including in terms of gender roles, in the safeguarding measures. Describe the role of the implementing organization or body (name, background, etc.) and the human resources that were available for implementing safeguarding activities.

Participation of communities, groups or individuals in the safeguarding activities

Such representative bearers as Wang Chaohui, Lin Chuyin, Wang Chuanqiao, Wu Kuizhao, Wang Zhiren, and their family members have actively participated in the safeguarding and transmission of the element. Among them, Wang Chuanqiao has raised funds and bought equipment and materials on his own to found his Wooden Movable-type Printing Handicraft Workshop where he develops derivative handicrafts with traditional techniques.
Rui'an Wooden Movable-type Printing Technique Bearer Training Base, Kaiyuan Vocational Secondary School and Pingyangkeng School in Rui'an City have invited representative bearers including Wang Chaohui, Wang Chuanqiao, and Wang Zhiren to provide guidance for students in the transmission practice all the year round and participated in the collection and recording of basic information of the technique. The two schools have included the Movable-type Printing Technique in Dongyuan of Rui'an in the textbook of intangible culture heritage. As a key vocational senior middle school of Zhejiang Province, Kaiyuan Vocational Secondary School is the teaching base for the transmission of intangible culture heritage of Rui'an City and of Zhejiang Province.
Rui'an Movable-type Printing Association is a non-governmental organization founded voluntarily by bearers of the wooden movable-type printing technique and relevant practitioners. Currently, it has over 130 members. Gathering a large number of bearers and practitioners of the traditional technique, the association has taken many measures for the safeguarding and transmission of the element. For example, it has purchased the raw materials for the transmission of the technique to print exquisite ancient books including The Art of War and Tao Te Ching with wooden movable-type technique and organized activities to enhance the internal communication among bearers.
Wu Xiaohuai has engaged in the research on wooden movable-type printing technique for a long time. Under the financial support of the government, he spent several years to complete the monograph Books on Representative Intangible Cultural Heritage in Zhejiang Province—Wooden Movable-type Printing Technique. The work published in 2012 demonstrates the safeguarding practice and research achievements of the element with vivid pictures and detailed description.
The website of movable-type printing technique in China (www.muhuozi.com) hosted by Rui'an Movable-type Printing Association was formally put into operation on June 8, 2012. It covers 10 columns, including introduction to the association, latest news, history of the technique, feature of the technique, business scope, bearers, exhibition and impact, transmission and safeguarding, members of the association, and message board, and plays an important role for the publicity and promotion of the element.
The members of China Movable-type Printing Technique Expert Committee mainly come from the Chinese Folk Literature and Art Association. All of them are members of the local expert assessment committee for intangible cultural heritage to assist the transmission activities of bearers.
From 2011 to 2015, a total of 113,000 visitors and professionals from home and abroad have visited the Rui'an Dongyuan Movable-type Printing Culture Exhibition Hall. The development of culture tourism and souvenirs has increased the opportunities for the practice of apprentices, improved the income of bearers, and created a lot of job vacancies for the local community.

B.3.d.

Timetable and budget

Indicate in a timetable when each activity was implemented and the funds that were used for its implementation, identifying the source of funding for each (governmental sources, in-kind community inputs, etc.).

Timetable and budget

—Governmental Sources
2011-2013: shooting documentaries of movable-type printing technique (250,000 RMB)
2011-2014: collecting information and images of movable-type printing technique (150,000 RMB)
2011-2015: financial aid for representative bearers (170,000 RMB)
2011-2015: making brochures for the publicity of movable-type printing technique (50,000 RMB)
2011-2015: financial aid for bearers (270,000 RMB)
June, 2011: organizing the ceremony for bearers of movable-type printing technique to take apprentices (337,000 RMB, including a lump-sum of 297,000 RMB financial aid for the bearers and their apprentices, the standard is 27,000 RMB for each pair of bearer and apprentice)
2012: compiling and publishing the Movable-type Printing Technique (100,000 RMB)
2012-2015: expanding the movable-type printing technology exhibition hall (2,650,000 RMB)
2012-2015: making outdoor advertising and registration of the website (120,000 RMB)
2013-2014: organizing relevant personnel to participate in the training courses on the safeguarding of elements inscribed on the List of Intangible Cultural Heritage in Need of Urgent Safeguarding held in Guangzhou (40,000 RMB)
2013-2015: purchasing equipment for the transmission of movable-type printing technique (180,000 RMB)
2014-2015: purchasing equipment for establishing archive and database (100,000 RMB)

—In-kind Community Inputs and Funds Raised in Other Ways
2011-2015: organizing transmission and safeguarding activities by Rui'an Movable-type Printing Association (120,000 RMB raised by members)
2011-2015: establishing teaching base and opening training classes for the transmission of the technique (250,000 RMB of government investment, Kaiyuan Vocational Secondary School provided the venue, and students provided tools)
2011-2015: organizing bearers to participate in a diversity of transmission and practice activities (140,000 RMB of government investment, bearers participated in the transmission and practice activities, and communities provided the venue)
2011-2015: printing ancient books like The Art of War and The Story of Lute with movable-type printing technique (1,100,000 RMB of government investment, groups and individuals provided human power and technical resources)
2012-2013: organizing publicity and education activities like Bringing ICH into Schools and Communities (150,000 RMB, schools and communities provided venues and human power, and bearers participated in the publicity and education activities)
2012-2013: compiling and publishing Movable-type Printing Technique textbook (90,000 RMB, including 50,000 RMB of government investment and 40,000 RMB paid by schools)
2012-2013: establishing Wang Chuanqiao Wooden Movable-type Printing Handicraft Workshop to implement transmission and creation activities (600,000 RMB, the bearer provided the venue and physical assets worth of 400,000 RMB)
March to October, 2013: China Movable-type Printing Culture Festival (400,000 RMB, including 300,000 RMB government financial aid and 100,000 RMB raised by social groups)
2013-2015: collecting the tools and works for the transmission of movable-type printing technique (300,000 RMB of government financial aid and in-kind inputs by the society)

B.3.e

Overall effectiveness of the safeguarding activities

Provide an overall assessment of the effectiveness of the activities undertaken to achieve the expected results and of the efficiency of the use of funds for implementing the activities. Please indicate how the activities contributed to achieving the results and whether other activities could have contributed better to achieving the same results. Also indicate whether the same results could have been achieved with less funding, whether the human resources available were appropriate and whether communities, groups and individuals could have been better involved.

Overall effectiveness of the safeguarding activities

(1) Activities for rescuing records and digital preservation have been fully implemented and fruitful achievements have been made in filing. A large amount of text, image, audio, and video information has been collected and processed, especially authentic records of project elements, technical process, feature, folk taboo, tools and physical assets of movable-type printing technique, providing original basis for the recovery of the technique when it is necessary. The use of funds in terms of this point is comparatively effective.
(2) The channels for raising funds are diversified. Governments at all levels, relevant communities, and bearers have implemented productivity-oriented safeguarding focusing mainly on printing works with wooden movable-type printing technique. Over 100 clan genealogies or ancient books have been printed annually. Although different clans keep the tradition to revise their clan genealogies regularly for a long time, the period, range, and order of the revision by these clans differ from each other. Therefore, the channels for raising funds for these projects are diversified. A council of clan elders is found for each revision. It is responsible for managing and supervising the use of the funds to ensure high efficiency and avoid waste. In addition, the completed products of clan genealogies should undergo a strict examination and acceptance procedure by the council to guarantee the quality.
(3) More people have participated in the safeguarding activities with increasing number and improving social statues of the bearers. The transmission work mainly relies on establishing teaching base by vocational education organizations, creating the mechanism for bearers to take apprentices, and providing financial aids for representative bearers. The investment on the transmission work has increased, yet the results are not obvious. Therefore, we should further increase the investment. For example, the financial aid provided for representative bearers should be greatly increased. Meanwhile, the central role of bearers in the decision-making process should be brought into full play to ensure the mutual promotion of the overall safeguarding efforts for the element and specific safeguarding activities of bearers.
(4) The publicity, promotion, and popularization have taken root in people's mind, which improves the visibility of the element. Currently, the limited investment has gained satisfactory results, so it should be further strengthened in the safeguarding efforts. In particular, through promoting activities to bring intangible cultural heritage into communities and campuses, compiling local textbooks, publishing monographs, shooting publicity films and documentaries, and so on, we can improve the awareness of the importance of the safeguarding efforts among the public, popularize the knowledge of cultural heritage, and create good atmosphere in the society. Nevertheless, attention should be paid to the exploration of new channels and methods for publicity to improve the efficiency of use of funds in the safeguarding efforts of the next stage.
(5) The extensive participation of non-governmental industrial organizations and professional institutions has increased the efficiency in the comprehensive utilization of different resources. Institutes of higher learning and social organizations have participated in the safeguarding efforts by implementing various kinds of academic exchange and establishing the mechanism for providing scientific basis for safeguarding intangible cultural heritage. Although certain achievements have been made in the safeguarding work, we should still further sum up the experience and establish norms to ensure the targeted safeguarding and improve the efficiency in comprehensive utilization of different resources.

B.4. Community participation

Please describe how communities, groups and individuals, as well as relevant non-governmental organizations have been involved, including in terms of gender roles, in updating the safeguarding plan, and how they will be involved in its implementation.

Community participation

(1) Representative bearers, including Wang Chaohui and Lin Chuyin, have actively implemented safeguarding and transmission activities by carrying out transmission activities in educational bases regularly and participating in the collection and record of information related to the technique since 2011. They have made solemn promise to show the willingness to continue to cooperate with communities and governments in their safeguarding and transmission activities and actively participate in different activities for teaching movable-type printing technique. “We should not only rely on the attention of the government for the survival of wooden movable-type printing technique. As a bearer, I have the responsibility and obligation to take apprentices. The technique transmitted from our ancestors should not be lost in our hands", said Wang Chuanqiao.
(2) Communities and groups are the social foundation for the survival of the element as well as the beneficiaries and consumers of its humanistic value. In the past five years, the communities and groups mainly participate in the transmission and safeguarding work from two aspects: one is to reach consensus in communities on the safeguarding and transmission of clan genealogies and related traditional knowledge; the other is to provide related clues and information for bearers and researchers to help them in the general investigation. For example, Rui'an Movable-type Printing Association have purchased high quality wood materials for those engaging in movable-type printing annually to engrave the Chinese characters for the printing; they have organized annual meetings to inform participants of the development of the movable-type printing technique and reward excellent bearers and craftspeople for compiling and printing clan genealogies; and Dongyuan Movable-type Printing Company has been founded to undertake the business of printing ancient books with movable-type printing technique. Practice has shown that a favorable social environment is beneficial to the implementation of safeguarding activities by bearers and related organizations.
(3) Dongyuan village of Pingyangkeng Town in Rui'an and Rui'an Movable-type Printing Association have made solemn promise that they will spare no efforts in the safeguarding and transmission of the element.

B.5. Institutional context

Please report on the institutional context for the local management and safeguarding of the element inscribed on the Urgent Safeguarding List, including:

  1. the competent body(ies) involved in its management and/or safeguarding;
  2. the organization(s) of the community or group concerned with the element and its safeguarding.

Institutional context

a. the competent body(ies) involved in its management and/or safeguarding:
Bureau of Culture, Radio, TV, Film, Press and Publication, Rui'an City, Zhejiang Province
Center for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Rui'an City, Zhejiang Province
Center for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Wenzhou City (Rui'an is a county level city under the supervision of Wenzhou), Zhejiang Province

b. the organization(s) of the community or group concerned with the element and its safeguarding:
Rui'an Movable-type Printing Association, Zhejiang Province
China Movable-type Printing Culture Exhibition Hall
Wang Chuanqiao Wooden Movable-type Printing Handicraft Studio
Kaiyuan Vocational Secondary School, Rui'an City, Zhejiang Province
Pingyangkeng School, Rui'an City, Zhejiang Province
Dongyuan Movable-type Printing Company, Rui'an City, Zhejiang Province
Rui'an Dongyuan Movable-type Printing Culture Exhibition Hall, Zhejiang Province
China Movable-type Printing Technique Expert Committee

B.6. Participation of communities in preparing this report

Describe the measures taken to ensure the widest possible participation of the communities, groups and, where applicable, individuals concerned as well as relevant non-governmental organizations during the process of preparation of this report.

Participation of communities in preparing this report

(1) First-hand material needed for the report is collected concentrating on representative bearers. The report is completed in the full participation of bearers and fully reflected their ideas and suggestions. For example, such representative bearers as Wang Chaohui and Wang Chuanqiao have attended the symposiums organized by relevant organizations from April to May in 2014 and the field research for completing the report in December 2015. In addition, they have participated in the drafting of the report and provided specific materials and suggestions.
(2) Field research has been carried out to give full play to the primary role of the community members in the collection of materials. Relevant communities, groups, and individuals to the element, especially the villages and family members of the bearers, have provided active support for the collection of information and drafting of the report. They actively supported the work of representative bearers and researchers in 2014 and 2015 and provided precious information for the report on the status of the element.
(3) The professional advices from relevant experts have been emphasized to improve the level of participation of non-governmental organizations in the safeguarding efforts. Under the support of local governments, we have established the working group for drafting the report and organized related professionals, experts, and scholars to collect information and carry out thematic research. Relevant symposiums have been organized to discuss the contents of the report. Center for the Safeguarding of ICH of Zhejiang Province has contacted and arranged scholars and experts to attend the thematic investigation to provide professional guidance for the drafting of the report.

C

Director

C. Signature on behalf of the state party

The report should conclude with the original signature of the official empowered to sign it on behalf of the State, together with his or her name, title and the date of submission.

Name

XIE Jinying

Title

Director General, Bureau for External Cultural Relations, Ministry of Culture, People's Republic of China

Date

27-05-2016

Signature

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