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China has submitted 35 files of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). Chinese calligraphy is listed as one of the files presented.

The Chinese State Council published its 2nd list of Intangible Cultural Heritage in China on June 7, 2008. A total of 510 items such as folklores, music, opera, dance, arts and crafts, drama, culinary and so forth are included.

The UNESCO adopted the Convention for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage on October 17, 2003. The Convention introduces, by establishing the Representative List, i.e., cultures that “are endangered, due to effects of globalization, uniformization policies, and lack of means, appreciation and understanding which—taken together—may lead to the erosion of functions and values of such elements and to lack of interest among the younger generations.”

According to the Intangible Cultural Heritage Center of the Chinese Ministry of Culture, Chinese calligraphy, traditional Oolong tea manufacturing method, multiple ethnic groups’ folksongs, and traditional ink stone are among the 35 files prepared to submit to UNESCO for nomination in March 2009.