On January 25, 2026, a cultural feast that integrates traditional intangible cultural heritage with contemporary trends - the first exhibition of national intangible cultural heritage wood carving toys, "On horseback!", was held in conjunction with the "Guanzhong" and "Wenyuan 81" ancient architecture spaces in Dongcheng District, Beijing. This exhibition is jointly created by the innovative intangible cultural heritage brand "WHATIFF Wenhu" and the inheritor of the century old family wood carving intangible cultural heritage, Huang Wangwang. It combines the dual experience of "Intangible Cultural Heritage Wood Carving Wonders Collection" and "Intangible Cultural Heritage Wood Carving Tour", and will be open to the public for free until March 15th. The aim is to create a city level intangible cultural heritage cross-border event that can be seen, played, and felt.
The inspiration for the exhibition is rooted in the myth of the origin of Chinese civilization, the "Dragon and Horse Negative Picture". The "River Map" carried by Longma is regarded as the cosmic code containing the laws of heaven and earth. This exhibition is based on the spirit totem of the divine beast "Dragon and Horse", which carries auspiciousness, exploration, and wisdom. It symbolizes inviting every viewer to the world above the clouds at the beginning of the Year of the Horse in 2026, to "mount the horse" and draw strength from the profound traditional culture to break through the waves and move forward.
匠心破壁，黄旺旺让千年木雕“潮”起来
The artistic core of the exhibition comes from the ingenious reconstruction of Huang Wangwang, the inheritor of wood carving intangible cultural heritage. As the fifth generation descendant of a carving family and a representative inheritor of Beijing's intangible cultural heritage, Huang Wangwang has been deeply involved in wood carving art for decades. He is skilled in using agarwood and sandalwood as the foundation, blending classical charm with modern aesthetics. Many of his works have been selected as national level art pieces due to their exquisite craftsmanship and cultural value. In 2024, Huang Wangwang collaborated with Pop Mart to create the MEGA SPACE MOLLY "Hidden Gold Without Trace" series of wooden carvings. As the world's first trendy wooden carving toy, it set a remarkable market record and confirmed the enormous potential of intangible cultural heritage to cross boundaries. From inheriting from aristocratic families to becoming a model of national etiquette, from breaking through the circle of trendy toys to public art, Huang Wangwang's path outlines a clear trajectory for the survival of intangible cultural heritage in contemporary times.
A "Year of the Horse Limited Edition Intangible Cultural Heritage Pop up Store" will also be set up on site, specially launching a series of limited edition "Silent Confession" sign language bags carved by hearing-impaired craftsmen using intangible cultural heritage techniques, including three warm designs of "I Love You", "Bixin" and "OK", which are not only exquisite portable trendy toys, but also a heartwarming practice. During the exhibition, a handmade experience class will also be held around one of the bag hangers, allowing participants to gain a deeper understanding of the craftsmanship and warmth behind it through hands-on production.
Beijing's first "Double Ancient Architecture" prayer route
As the first "Dual Ancient Architecture Linkage" exhibition project in Beijing with the theme of intangible cultural heritage wood carving, "Now! Launch!" has specially designed an exhibition route spanning two historical spaces, forming an intangible cultural heritage experience path that combines cultural depth and urban roaming attributes.
• Observation: In the ancient observation space with a history of over 700 years, the "Intangible Cultural Heritage Woodcarving Wonders Collection" is presented, showcasing original and trendy woodcarving works, creating an immersive experience of woodcarving art appreciation.
Wen Yuan No. 81: A "Intangible Cultural Heritage Woodcarving Tour" will be held in the French Garden Villa, featuring dragon and horse art installations and interactive experience areas, integrating intangible cultural heritage into a more relaxed and daily life scene.
Brand empowerment, a traditional and trendy business breakthrough platform
As the organizer, WHATIFF has always adhered to the core concept of "traditional craftsmanship x contemporary design x urban renewal space", and is committed to exploring new forms of intangible cultural heritage in contemporary cities. Through exhibitions, limited time flash mobs, trendy products, master workshops, and other forms, the brand attempts to connect the complete chain from design, scene to consumption, allowing traditional stories to be re told, truly used, and continuously spread in contemporary contexts. Through this full stack activation method, intangible cultural heritage is no longer a static cultural symbol, but gradually transformed into a scarce and high-quality Oriental aesthetic commercial narrative content, gaining new vitality in the city.
Immediately! Get on the horse! "Is not only an exhibition, but also an open ceremony that injects courage and good luck into the new year. It utilizes the ancient technique of intangible cultural heritage wood carving to invite every audience member to touch the pulse of tradition in a contemporary, interesting, and interactive way, and harvest the spiritual power to move forward towards 2026 in the mythological dream woven by intangible cultural heritage.
Exhibition Information
Theme: "Get on the horse!" National Intangible Cultural Heritage Woodcarving Trend Exhibition
Time: January 25th to March 15th, 2026
Location:
-Guanzhong: No. 21 Tofu Chi Hutong, Dongcheng District, Beijing
-No. 81 Wenyuan: No. 81 Chaoyangmen Inner Street, Dongcheng District, Beijing
Ticket: Free admission
Host: WHATIFF
Collaborative artist: Huang Wangwang (inheritor of a century old carving family)