From 2026 to 12, the 5th Ordinary Session of the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage (the "6th ICH Conference") will be held in Xiamen, Fujian Province. This marks the first time the UNESCO ICH Conference is hosted in China. On 9, an information exchange meeting for this session was convened at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris, France.
This meeting briefed representatives of 185 States Parties to the UNESCO Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage on progress in preparations for the General Assembly and facilitated discussions on key topics. It also unveiled the official logo of the 1st ICH Congress, "Soaring Egret," designed by China, the host country. During the session, information was shared about the host city, Xiamen, including details on the host country service portal and cultural activities.
The emblem of this conference symbolizes the egret taking flight and the enduring cultural heritage. Designed by reimagining the English word "Xiamen," the letter "X" transforms into a soaring egret, representing high aspirations. Drawing from four dimensions—China's cultural roots, Fujian's deep heritage, Xiamen's unique character, and an international perspective—the design integrates intangible cultural heritage elements such as Chinese calligraphy, seal carving, and paper-cutting. It masterfully blends traditional aesthetics with modern design, conveying profound meaning and a broad vision.
The logo features Chinese calligraphy, an intangible cultural heritage art form, with a red "China" seal in the bottom-left corner to highlight Eastern aesthetics and China's role as the host. On the right side of the emblem, Fujian's unique "Fu" (blessing) cultural IP is integrated, conveying wishes for prosperity within China, blessings from around the world, and shared happiness globally, weaving the rich heritage of Fujian into this international event. The core visual element is the egret, Xiamen's city bird; the letter "X" is creatively transformed into a soaring egret, incorporating landmarks such as Sunlight Rock and the Twin Towers to showcase the island's landscape. This symbolizes intangible cultural heritage crossing mountains and seas to reach the world. Adhering to international communication standards, the conference name is displayed in both Chinese and English, bridging global audiences and fostering the mutual integration and enduring legacy of non-heritage civilizations.
The emblem, featuring an iconic Chinese symbol, will be used across all official event settings—including the opening ceremony, plenary and presidium meetings, press conferences, forums, side events, cultural activities, and the "China Moments" performances. It conveys the auspicious message of "soaring high like a egret, full of good fortune," representing China's warm invitation to global guests to join this grand gathering.