An artisan paints decorative patterns on a gourd at the Qiuci Intangible Cultural Heritage Workshop in Kuqa city, Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region. [Photo by Guo Yanqi/For chinadaily.com.cn]

Once a vital hub on the ancient Silk Road, Kuqa city remains one of the most significant cities historically and culturally in Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region. It boasts a rich legacy of intangible cultural heritage, showcasing its long history and cultural vitality.

The city has 146 intangible cultural heritage items, including 80 officially recognized projects. Among them, Kuqa sanam and folk songs hold national-level heritage status.

A baker prepares traditional Kuqa Nang in a tandoor-style oven. Nang is a traditional flatbread commonly consumed by the local residents. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

A craftsman shapes traditional earthenware at the Qiuci Intangible Cultural Heritage Workshop in Kuqa city, Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region. [Photo by Guo Yanqi/For chinadaily.com.cn]

Artists perform folk songs with traditional folk instruments at the Qiuci Intangible Cultural Heritage Workshop in Kuqa city, Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region. [Photo by Guo Yanqi/For chinadaily.com.cn]

The red willow weaving area at the Qiuci Intangible Cultural Heritage Workshop in Kuqa city, Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region. [Photo by Guo Yanqi/For chinadaily.com.cn]  

Performance of the Kuqa Samawar Dance at the Qiuci Music and Dance Center in Kuqa city, Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region. [Photo by Guo Yanqi/For chinadaily.com.cn]