China is investing in Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) protection to exploit its commercial potential. The ancient city of Beijing features 800 years of history and, besides its majestic architecture, the Chinese capital offers various experiences to plunge into its cultural richness. When in 2006 the government established the national ICH Day, several cities, Beijing included, launched surveys to inventory their treasures. The Northern Capital lists more than 12.000 items that show its energetic roots and colourful people’s lifestyles. Exhibition collects folk dances, traditional music and craftsmanship and secures them for future generations thanks to a 20-volume book, as well as digital equipment such as systematic audio and video recording. In 2011, Chinese government passed the bill on national ICH safeguarding; so far it has recognized 108 national peculiarities, 43 more items recognition are pending, while other 235 receive city-level protection. An interesting point to make is that these lists also include people as ICH inheritors: traditional knowledge keepers. Beijing Municipal government has adopted a multidisciplinary approach to address ICH protection, involving 14 different departments and establishing a Protection Center for the heritage that has been reproduced at lower-levels in Beijing’s districts and counties. The whole country is working hard to effectively preserve its cultural heritage and maintain a sustainable development. As far as the capital is concerned, the local government has planned training programme enhancements, public funds, higher visibility to the issue and it counts on promoting tourism-related initiatives to exploit the commercial potential of ICH and encourage companies to get more involved. The gLAWcal Team LIBEAC project Monday, 10 November 2014 (Source: China Daily)