Nestled in the heart of Yunnan province, China, the Shilin Stone Forest stands as a unique geological wonder, with its towering limestone pinnacles shaped over 270 million years. This natural treasure, however, is more than just a testament to Earth’s ancient history – it is also a living cultural hub, thanks to the efforts of UNESCO and the China Youth Development Foundation Mercedes-Benz Star Fund. Through their “Conservation and Management of World Heritage Sites in China” project implemented since 2007, the Stone Forest and its surrounding cultural heritage are not only being preserved but are also becoming a catalyst for transformative change in the lives of local communities.
At the forefront of this transformation are Qian Ximan and Ang Zhaoqiong, two intangible cultural heritage inheritors and practitioners of Shilin Sani Embroidery. As beneficiaries of the project’s Shilin Pilot, their stories embody the profound impact of preserving cultural heritage.
Qian Ximan's journey is a shining testament to the transformative power of cultural heritage. Through the Shilin Pilot, she participated in training programs that not only refined her embroidery skills but also deepened her commitment to safeguarding Sani culture. Today, Qian plays a pivotal role in documenting traditional embroidery patterns and developing craft standards, ensuring that this ancient art form remains vibrant for generations to come.
Her involvement in the project has led to innovative product designs, such as an award-winning storage box series that has captured attention both locally and abroad. Qian’s journey has been remarkable – she has transitioned from a student to a lecturer, teaching others the intricacies of embroidery techniques and patterns interpretation. Qian's success highlights the project's commitment to safeguarding traditional crafts while creating sustainable livelihoods, fostering a deep sense of pride and cultural identity within local communities.
“Through participation in activities under the UNESCO Project Shilin Pilot, I have not only strengthened my mastery of the traditional artisanship, but have also gained significant achievements in product innovative design and its marketing and promotion. This contributes to the inheritance and development of Shilin Sani Embroidery ICH element”, said Qian Ximan.
Similarly, Ang Zhaoqiong, the general manager of an ethnic clothing company, exemplifies how the Shilin Pilot has empowered individuals and communities alike. Before joining the project, Ang's business was a small-scale operation, primarily selling lace, embroidered patches, and clothing accessories with limited marketing reach and exposure. However, through the project’s support, she gained access to transformative training courses at prestigious institutions such as Guizhou University and Shanghai Visual Arts College, where she learned advanced embroidery techniques, and innovative branding and marketing strategies.
These opportunities not only sharpened her skills in product design and brand development but also unlocked access to new markets and audiences. Today, Ang’s company has embraced e-commerce, with their products available on major online platforms, and has established a dedicated design team focusing on creating forward-thinking, high-end ethnic clothing. With a registered trademark and a growing reputation, her company’s annual production value has skyrocketed from CNY 2.6 million (about USD 0.37 million) in 2017 to an impressive CNY 7 million (about USD 1 million) in 2023. Ang’s success story underscores the project's capacity-building initiatives, which have equipped local entrepreneurs with the knowledge and tools to realize their potential and thrive in a competitive global market.
Ang Zhaoqiong expressed her heartfelt gratitude to be a beneficiary of UNESCO Project Shilin Pilot, noting “the project activities have allowed us as native Sani population to review and reflect our own ethnic culture. The development and publishing of Sani Embroidery technical standards, patterns, and industrial plan promotes safeguarding local cultural heritage and social economic development, which is remarkably beneficial in the present age and advantageous for future generations.”
Beyond individual success stories, the Shilin Pilot has achieved remarkable progress in preserving and managing the Stone Forest's natural and cultural heritage, fostering sustainable livelihoods for local communities. Key initiatives include the establishment of a Geographical Information System (GIS) enhanced tourism monitoring and management, as well as the creation of a comprehensive resource database. These tools enable evidence-based and data-driven decision-making, ensuring the site’s preservation while accommodating visitors responsibly.
Visitor management efforts have also played a crucial role in balancing tourism with conservation. Improvements such as upgraded site interpretation, bilingual bulletin boards and signposts have greatly enhanced the visitor experiences while minimizing environmental impact. Additionally, site managers and tour guides have participated in specialized training programmes on heritage management and interpretation, equipping them with the skills to protect and promote the Stone Forest effectively. Complementing these efforts, awareness-raising and public outreach initiatives have deepened understanding and appreciation of the Stone Forest’s Outstanding Universal Value among both local communities and international audiences.
The Shilin Pilot has also placed a strong emphasis on fostering harmonious relationships between tourism development and local communities. By implementing enhanced management practices and raising awareness about heritage safeguarding, the project has ensured that tourism not only benefits local populations but also upholds the integrity of the World Heritage site. This balanced approach has created significant economic opportunities for residents, with thousands of indirect beneficiaries experiencing improved livelihoods.
Further strengthening the cultural and economic fabric of the region, the project has supported the development of the “Shilin Yi (Sani) Embroidery Product Craft Standards” and “Shilin Yi (Sani) Embroidery Atlas”, which catalog over 200 traditional patterns. These resources have laid the foundation for systematic industry development, culminating in the registration of a Protected Geographical Indication for Sani Embroidery. Additionally, hundreds of inheritors and practitioners have enhanced their skills through capacity building workshops on embroidery and tourism management, supported by the project.
The UNESCO-China Youth Development Foundation Mercedes-Benz Star Fund “Conservation and Management of World Heritage Sites in China” Project Shilin Pilot has generated a profound impact on both individuals and communities. Through its innovative approach, the project has significantly improved the lives of people like Qian Ximan and Ang Zhaoqiong, as well as the broader population of Shilin Yi Ethnic Minority Autonomous County, benefiting over 50,000 individuals. By integrating conservation efforts with capacity-building initiatives and the promotion of cultural heritage, the project has not only safeguarded a natural wonder but also empowered individuals and communities to achieve sustainable growth and prosperity.
