Ninghai’s Ancient Opera Stage: Connecting Tangible and Intangible Heritage

<p>This paper explores the unspoken connection between the craftsmanship system and the preservation of ancient theater stages in Ninghai, emphasizing the complex interaction between tangible and intangible cultural heritage. The study focuses on the role of the craftsmanship system in maintaining the architectural authenticity and cultural significance of these ancient buildings, particularly the inheritance of traditional skills and knowledge. By focusing on local building techniques such as “zhaomie(照篾)” technology and caisson ceiling restoration, this study highlights the deep connection between physical structure and the craftsmanship practices that shape its construction process. By examining the historical evolution and sophisticated technical skills precision of these craft systems, the paper reveals the necessity of adopting a comprehensive conservation approach that organically integrates tangible heritage (the physical structure) with intangible heritage (craftsmanship skills). The study also explores the challenges posed by generational gaps in skill transmission, emphasizing that these critical techniques face the risk of loss in the absence of systematic knowledge transmission mechanisms. The study concludes that effective heritage protection of Ninghai's ancient opera stages must involve systematic actions in both the preservation of physical structures and the knowledge of traditional craftsmanship, offering insights for comprehensive cultural heritage protection strategies.</p>