China’s Intangible Cultural Heritage During the Fight Against the Coronavirus Epidemic (COVID‑19)

This article presents the results of research on the attempt to activate the socio-cultural role of the objects of China’s intangible cultural heritage during the fight against the coronavirus infection. Its sources include the “Intangible Cultural Heritage of China” website, the “People’s Daily” newspaper, and UNESCO’s webpages “Spiritual Heritage and the Pneumonia Caused by a New Type of Coronavirus.” The paper confirms the PRC’s attempt to ensure the viability of the state’s intangible cultural heritage and its skillful use in order to alleviate social anxiety and promote social unity under the special circumstances of the COVID-19 pandemic. The experience of activating China’s intangible cultural heritage during the fight against the coronavirus infection may be adopted by the relevant organizations in Russia and other countries.

The article provides an overview of the works presented on the “Intangible Cultural Heritage of China” website, listed under the title “Fighting the Epidemic. Masters of the Intangible Cultural Heritage at Work.” The works created by the “legacy masters” using traditional techniques reflect a great determination to succeed in the fight against the virus, while traditional oral genres and performing arts play an important role in the exchange of information and knowledge necessary for the implementation of appropriate anti-epidemic measures.