Culture of 24 Solar Terms highlighted in museum show

An exhibition displaying products of intangible cultural heritage and fine art pieces themed on the 24 Solar Terms opened in the China Agricultural Museum in Beijing on Dec 19 and will last until Dec 23.

The Chinese 24 Solar Terms were inscribed into the UNESCO's Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2016. A solar term is any of 24 points on the traditional Chinese lunisolar calendar which match an astronomical event or signify a natural phenomenon.

The ongoing exhibition in Beijing features handicrafts, creative designs, food, toys and stamps among the variety of articles inspired by the 24 Solar Terms, ushering intangible cultural heritage into people's everyday lives to better promote its preservation in society.

Visitors can experience the traditional craftsmanship, which is connected to relevant agricultural produce, and also attend public lectures on the culture of 24 Solar Terms during the exhibition.

On Dec 19, a meeting drafting future work to protect and inherit culture related to the 24 Solar Terms took place in the China Agricultural Museum and was attended by officials from the Ministry of Culture and Tourism and Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs as well as scholars and delegates from local communities.

A research center studying the 24 Solar Terms was set up in the museum, and, according to the meeting, a national alliance protecting and studying the traditional calendar will be established next year to better coordinate relevant work.