The 2nd China-CEEC Expert-Level Forum on Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage opens in Hangzhou, Zhejiang province, on Sept 18. [Photo/zjol.com.cn]

An expert forum on the protection of Chinese and central and east European countries (CEEC) cultural heritages kicked off in Hangzhou, Zhejiang province, on Sept 18.

Focusing on the sustainable development of traditional crafts, the six-day event brought together 50 leading figures and representative craftsmen from China and CEEC to discuss and share insights into the protection of intangible cultural heritages in the modern age.

Addressing the opening ceremony, Zhang Zhongzhi, counselor of Bureau for External Cultural Relations, Chinese Ministry of Culture, said that intangible cultural heritages are treasures which can reflect national culture and the common aspiration of its people.

The cultural exchanges between different countries and regions help to increase mutual understanding and promote friendship among their peoples, according to an event official.

As part of the cultural experience events surrounding the forum, participants were invited to take a field trip to local places where traditional crafts are on show, including the Grand Jing-hang Canal Museum, the Crafts Museum, and a handcraft museum.

The first session of the forum was held in in the southern Polish city of Krakow in 2016.

Event officials pose at the opening ceremony of the 2nd China-CEEC Expert-Level Forum on Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage in Hangzhou, Zhejiang province, on Sept 18. [Photo/zjol.com.cn]

Zhang Zhongzhi, counselor of Bureau for External Cultural Relations, Chinese Ministry of Culture makes a keynote speech at opening ceremony of the 2nd China-CEEC Expert-Level Forum on Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage in Hangzhou, Zhejiang province, on Sept 18. [Photo/zjol.com.cn]