History and Heritage of Huangshan

In 1982, Huangshan Scenic Area was designated as one of the first national key scenic spots by the State Council of China.

In 1985, Huangshan Scenic Area was listed as one of the top ten scenic spots in China by China Tourism Daily.

In December 1990, Huangshan was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List as a cultural and natural heritage site.

In February 2004, Huangshan was officially recognized as a UNESCO Global Geopark.

These designations and recognitions highlight the historical and cultural significance as well as the natural beauty of Huangshan. The preservation of its unique landscapes, biodiversity, and cultural heritage have contributed to its status as a cherished site of global importance.

As the birthplace of ancient Huizhou, Huangshan has been a hub for prominent figures throughout history, and its cultural heritage is rich and developed. Various economic and cultural schools have emerged, including Xin'an Neo-Confucianism, Huizhou Folk Learning, Xin'an Medicine, Huizhou merchants, Huizhou opera, Huizhou-style architecture, Huizhou-style woodblock printing, Huizhou-style seal engraving, Xin'an painting style, and Huizhou-style bonsai. These cultural schools have contributed to the vast and profound Huizhou culture, which has a long and enduring history.

The ancient Huizhou region, encompassing Huangshan and its surroundings, has nurtured a flourishing cultural legacy that spans centuries. It has produced renowned scholars, artists, businessmen, and craftsmen who have contributed to the development and preservation of Huizhou's unique cultural traditions. The economic and cultural schools that emerged in Huizhou have left a lasting impact on various fields, shaping the distinctive character of Huizhou's cultural heritage.

She Inkstone Production Technique

Level: National Level

Introduction: She Inkstone, one of the four famous inkstones in China, derives its name from She County in the ancient Huizhou region.  It has a history of over a thousand years.  She Inkstone is renowned for its excellent quality and is highly regarded for its eight virtues: firmness, smoothness, flexibility, robustness, fineness, smoothness, cleanliness, and beauty.

She Inkstone is made from a unique type of stone called She Stone, which is found in the She County area.  The stone is carefully selected for its superior quality and captivating colors.  The production process involves several intricate steps.  First, the stone is cut into the desired shape and size.  Then, it undergoes meticulous carving and polishing to achieve a smooth and refined surface.  Skilled artisans employ traditional techniques to create various designs and patterns, adding artistic value to the inkstone.

The outstanding characteristics of She Inkstone include its durability, smooth texture, and the ability to produce ink with excellent color and consistency.  It is highly favored by calligraphers and painters for its ability to enhance the beauty and quality of ink.  She Inkstone is classified into different types based on its color, texture, and artistic features, offering a wide range of choices for artistic expression.

Huizhou Woodblock Printing

Level: Provincial Level

Introduction: Huizhou Woodblock Printing, with its long history and widespread appreciation, is regarded as a gem of Chinese culture. In 2006, Huizhou Woodblock Printing was included in the first batch of representative projects of provincial-level intangible cultural heritage.

Huizhou Paper Cutting

Level: Provincial Level

Introduction: Huizhou Paper Cutting, commonly known as "Jiaohua Chantu" or "Jian Manmanzhi," encompasses various techniques such as cutting, carving, piercing, and pasting. In 2017, Huizhou Paper Cutting was included in the fifth batch of representative projects of provincial-level intangible cultural heritage.

Shexian Wood-Pressing Oil Technique

Level: Provincial Level

Introduction: The wood-pressing oil technique in Shexian County has a history of over 1600 years. It utilizes pure wooden equipment and relies entirely on manual labor. The oil produced through this method is natural, pure, and possesses excellent color and fragrance.

Huizhou Seal Engraving

Level: Provincial Level

Introduction: Huizhou Seal Engraving is a traditional handicraft in the ancient Huizhou region. It originated from He Zhen during the Ming Dynasty. It was later renowned by famous engravers such as Wang Guan, the "Four Scholars of Shexian" led by Cheng Sui, and the "Yishan School" represented by Huang Shiling.