Yunlin Showcases Intangible Cultural Heritage with Artisan Exhibition

Yunlin County, Taiwan, celebrated its rich cultural heritage with the opening of the "Divine Craftsmanship, Artistic Legacy" exhibition on August 4, 2026. The event, held at the Yunlin County Cultural Affairs Bureau exhibition hall, showcases nearly 80 works from 21 artisans and preservation groups, representing traditional crafts, cultural heritage preservation techniques, traditional performing arts, and folk customs.

The exhibition offers a close-up look at the unique cultural assets of Yunlin and the exquisite craftsmanship of its artists. Among the highlights were the lion dance by the Beigang Xinlong Troupe and the "Zhuang Fo" (Buddha statue making) by Lin Zhonghui, a newly certified preserver. The exhibition also features the "Xiao Mu Zuo" (small woodworking) techniques of Zhan Wensheng and the "Che Gu Zhen" (a type of folk performance) by Wu Xianshan and Wu Fengzhu.

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Yunlin County is a major center for religious culture, possessing rich and diverse intangible cultural heritage. Currently, the county has registered 38 intangible cultural assets and 12 cultural heritage preservation techniques, with 53 preservers.

During the opening ceremony, five new cultural heritage preservers and groups were officially recognized. These included Lin Zhonghui for "Zhuang Fo," Zhan Wensheng for "Xiao Mu Zuo" techniques, Wu Xianshan and Wu Fengzhu for "Che Gu Zhen," and the Beigang Xinlong Troupe for "Long Zhen" (dragon dance). Yunlin Deputy Magistrate Chen Biyun presented the certificates, emphasizing the county's commitment to preserving its diverse intangible cultural heritage.

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The county government will continue to promote preservation and maintenance plans in accordance with the Cultural Heritage Preservation Act, establishing deep connections with the public through cultural heritage preservation, talent cultivation, and educational outreach to ensure the sustainable continuation of precious skills.

Chen Biyun stated that Yunlin is a significant center for religious culture, boasting 38 registered intangible cultural assets and 12 cultural heritage preservation techniques, with 53 designated preservers. These assets, ranging from temple murals and pottery to deity sculptures and festive performances, embody Yunlin's deep cultural roots and the strength of generational transmission.

The exhibition, which runs until August 11, aims to connect the public with these precious traditions. The Cultural Affairs Bureau has incorporated artisans' tools like chisels and brushes into the display, guiding visitors to understand the process behind the finished works. Additionally, four hands-on experience courses, "Entering the Artisan's Craftsmanship Scene," are planned to allow the public to engage directly with artisans and cultural sites.

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This year's exhibition specially incorporates tools such as chisels and brushes used by artisans in the exhibition space, guiding the audience to extend from 'viewing the results' to 'understanding the process'.