The soul of Beijing can be found not only in its iconic landmarks, but also in the traditions that continue to flourish today. With 144 national-level representative intangible cultural heritage (ICH) items and 303 municipal-level representative ICH items, the city is home to a remarkable wealth of living heritage. Across Beijing, master artisans keep centuries-old crafts alive, transforming silk, thread, paper, clay, and other everyday materials into extraordinary works of art. Among the city’s most celebrated traditional crafts are Beijing's eight imperial handicrafts, a collection of exquisite handicrafts including cloisonne, lacquerware, gold filigree, ivory carving, jade carving, lacquer carving, embroidery, and carpet weaving. Many of these time-honored skills can be experienced up close through exhibitions, workshops, and cultural spaces, offering visitors a chance to connect with Beijing’s living heritage. It’s a unique way to discover the creativity, craftsmanship, stories, and traditions that make Beijing unlike anywhere else.