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Journal of Resources and Ecology >

2024 , Vol. 15 >Issue 6: 1569 - 1577

DOI: https://doi.org/10.5814/j.issn.1674-764x.2024.06.014

Rural Revitalization and Ecotourism

Enhancing Rural Revitalization: A Study on the Creative Transformation of Agricultural Heritage among Ethnic Minorities in Heilongjiang, China

  • CHAI Miao , 1 ,
  • DU Guoming , 2, *
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  • 1. School of International Culture and Education, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150006, China
  • 2. School of Public Administration and Law, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150006, China
* DU Guoming, E-mail:

CHAI Miao, E-mail:

Received date: 2023-09-12

  Accepted date: 2024-02-20

  Online published: 2024-12-09

Supported by

The Chinese Academy of Sciences Strategic Pilot Science and Technology Special Sub-Project(XDA28130402)

The Doctoral Postdoctoral Funding Project in Heilongjiang Province(LBH-Z23074)

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Abstract

The revitalization of rural culture serves as the driving force and intellectual backbone for the overall resurgence of rural areas. Guided by the core values of socialism, this study delves into the exploration of effective methods for the transformation of the agricultural cultural heritage of ethnic minorities. This endeavor is not only of immediate importance in achieving the revival of rural culture but also plays a crucial role in supporting the development of agricultural heritage industries and catalyzing entrepreneurship in returning to and establishing businesses in rural regions. This article adopts a broad perspective, analyzing the current development status of the agricultural heritage of ethnic minorities in Heilongjiang. Through a thorough examination, it dissects the opportunities and challenges encountered in the creative transformation of this cultural heritage and endeavors to uncover effective strategies within the broader context of the rural revitalization strategy. The findings of this study indicate that there are some problems in the agricultural cultural heritage of ethnic minorities in Heilongjiang Province, such as insufficient excavation, weak synergistic development of agricultural culture and industry, and low integration. It is essential to construct a comprehensive agricultural heritage system for each ethnic minority in Heilongjiang Province. Furthermore, a combination of diverse approaches must be employed to strengthen the inheritance and utilization of agricultural cultural heritage.

Key words： rural revitalization; ethnic minorities; agricultural heritage; creative transformation

Cite this article

CHAI Miao , DU Guoming . Enhancing Rural Revitalization: A Study on the Creative Transformation of Agricultural Heritage among Ethnic Minorities in Heilongjiang, China[J]. Journal of Resources and Ecology, 2024 , 15(6) : 1569 -1577 . DOI: 10.5814/j.issn.1674-764x.2024.06.014

1 Introduction

The rural revitalization strategy stands as a pivotal initiative heralding the commencement of an all-encompassing drive towards the construction of a modern socialist nation. Its components—industrial revitalization, talent rejuvenation, cultural renewal, ecological restoration, and organizational revitalization—are interwoven and mutually reinforcing, constituting vital forces for the steady advancement of agricultural and rural modernization. Among these components, the revitalization of rural culture serves a social function, unifying perspectives and bolstering cohesion. It acts as a potent spiritual force in realizing the rural revitalization strategy, effectively propelling the modernization of agriculture and rural areas, shaping new rural landscapes (Wu, 2006; Sun and Zhu, 2011), establishing influential agricultural heritage brands (Wang and Chang, 2007), and expanding the value of agricultural heritage through avenues like tourism (Zhou and Liu, 2008; Ma et al., 2011; Zeng and Zhu, 2012). In Heilongjiang Province, ethnic minorities have cultivated a rich agricultural heritage with distinctive expressions over centuries of farming, fishing, hunting, and nomadic lifestyles. Exploring the spiritual and industrial values embedded in this cultural heritage, guided by socialist core values, holds practical significance for promoting the development of the agricultural heritage industry (Lai et al., 2022), realizing the value of the agricultural heritage industry (Liang et al., 2020), and implementing the rural revitalization strategy (Liu et al., 2022). Systematic research results on creating and transforming the cultural heritage of ethnic minorities in Heilongjiang Province are relatively limited, primarily centered on the creative transformation of intangible cultural heritage (Tang, 2021). Building upon preliminary investigations, this paper, grounded in the transformation and upgrading of Heilongjiang Province and the contemporary context of the times, explores the path of creative transformation for the agricultural heritage of ethnic minorities in Heilongjiang Province. This endeavor holds great benefits for advancing the promotion of the agricultural heritage of ethnic minorities, consolidating achievements in the agricultural heritage industry, and fostering high-quality development in entrepreneurial ventures returning to hometowns. Furthermore, it aids in expanding the distinctive path of rural cultural revitalization for ethnic minorities, shaping a model of cultural industry development with valuable experiences and widespread applicability.

2 Current status of agricultural heritage resources among ethnic minorities in Heilongjiang

Agricultural heritage represents the wellspring of wisdom that embodies the millennia-long stable development and sustainable utilization of agriculture in China. As of 2022, China boasts 43 entries on the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage list, with notable mentions such as Hezhen Imakan and Korean farming dance, which intricately weave the cultural tapestry of agricultural production and life. In particular, the agricultural heritage of ethnic minorities in Heilongjiang Province stands out with its vivid regional characteristics and cultural imprints. From 2006, several intangible cultural heritage items from Heilongjiang Province, such as Hezhen Imakan, Hezhe Birch Bark Products, Oroqen Birch Bark Boat Making Techniques, Daur Lurege Dance, Oroqen Zandaren, and Manchu Embroidery, have been progressively inscribed in the national-level intangible cultural heritage list. These cultural heritage elements hold diverse values spanning ecological environments, scientific research and education, as well as social and cultural dimensions. In 2012, the Chinese Ministry of Agriculture launched the exploration of ‘China’s Important Agricultural Heritage.’ The initiative aims to celebrate Chinese agricultural culture, foster a stronger sense of cultural identity and pride, and steadily advance rural development. In 2015, the ‘Heilongjiang Province Fuyuan Hezhe Fish Culture System’ and the ‘Heilongjiang Province Ning’an Xiangshui Rice Culture System’ were included in the third batch of China’s Important Agricultural Cultural Heritage List. This acknowledgment highlights the unique and crucial role of ethnic minorities’ agricultural heritage in Heilongjiang Province within the broader landscape of China’s agricultural heritage system. It provides significant impetus for the preservation and meaningful utilization of ethnic minorities’ agricultural heritage in Heilongjiang Province.
The agricultural heritage of ethnic minorities in Heilongjiang Province revolves around key elements, including farming practices, labor tools, productivity, and production skills. Some facets of agricultural heritage have been meticulously preserved, exemplified by the ‘Hezhe Fishery Culture System’. Among the Hezhe people, activities such as fishing, fish consumption, the crafting of fishskin garments, and the creation of fishskin paintings have given rise to a culturally rich and enduring system of livelihood, passed down through generations. Currently, fishing and the consumption of fish continue to be crucial aspects of the Hezhe people’s production and lifestyle customs. However, traditional skills such as crafting fishskin garments and creating fishskin paintings are at risk of fading away due to shifts in their methods of production and lifestyle. The ‘Birch Culture’ is a cultural expression that has emerged collectively among several ethnic minorities in Heilongjiang Province as part of their production and daily life. Birch bark, known as ‘Wei Hu’ in the Manchu culture, ‘Jia Wu’ in the Evenki culture, and ‘Wu Doomshen’ in the Hezhe culture, can be skillfully transformed into birch bark boats. These boats play a significant role as essential tools for ethnic minorities engaged in fishing, hunting, patrolling, and water transportation. Furthermore, the agricultural cultural heritage of ethnic minorities in Heilongjiang Province is also scattered across various cultural expressions, such as Hezhe Imakan and Oroqen Zandaren. Hezhe Imakan represents a form of traditional storytelling among the Hezhe ethnic group, encompassing shamanic hero tales, folk legends, and everyday life stories. While not exclusively centered around fishing and hunting, its narratives include traditional knowledge related to these activities, making it a significant subject for investigating the fishing and hunting culture of the Hezhe ethnic group.
As the processes of industrialization and urbanization advance, individuals with expertise in the agricultural culture and skills of ethnic minorities are predominantly from an aging demographic, and their numbers are steadily declining. Many unique labor tools and production skills specific to ethnic minorities are on the brink of extinction. Simultaneously, there is a gradual increase in awareness regarding the protection and development of ethnic cultures in China. There is a growing emphasis on the development of ethnic cultural industries, with the government increasing its support, ushering in a golden period of development (Wang, 2022a). The agricultural cultural heritage of ethnic minorities in Heilongjiang Province urgently requires in-depth exploration and development.

3 Practical significance of creative transformation in the agricultural heritage of ethnic minorities in Heilongjiang

Generalized agricultural heritage stands as an integral and indispensable part of human heritage. It forms a comprehensive system entwining material, non-material, and the fusion of material with non-material aspects, closely linked to historical eras and human agricultural endeavors. It represents a cohesive entity that unifies agricultural activities with production methods and ways of life. These activities encapsulate the concept of large-scale agriculture, encompassing not only cultivation but also animal husbandry, forestry, and fishing (Li and Wang, 2015). They encompass multiple values, including ecological and environmental significance, cultural and spiritual worth, as well as economic and industrial importance. The creative transformation of agricultural heritage not only revitalizes the heritage itself, enhancing the sustainability of industrial development and fostering increased income for local farmers but also provides substantial and unwavering support for the comprehensive advancement of rural revitalization and the accelerated achievement of agricultural and rural modernization. The agricultural heritage of ethnic minorities in Heilongjiang Province bears the imprint of a longstanding agrarian and hunting culture, constituting the spiritual wellspring for the rejuvenation of rural culture under the overarching strategy of rural revitalization. The creative transformation of Heilongjiang Province’s agricultural heritage plays a crucial role in elevating the cultural vitality of rural areas and opening up new pathways for the development of agricultural heritage industries. Its practical significance is particularly evident in three key aspects:

3.1 Revitalize the economic value of agricultural heritage and enhance the level of the agricultural heritage industry

Economic and cultural integration stands as a crucial trend in modern socio-economic development. The progress of economic and social spheres lays the necessary material groundwork for cultural development, while cultural advancements provide spiritual support and value guidance for overall progress. As a form of economic resource operating within market dynamics, culture is an indispensable driver for fostering economic and social development. The agricultural heritage of ethnic minorities in Heilongjiang Province has historically embodied three traditional agricultural economic forms-farming, fishing, and nomadic herding. It has amassed a rich and distinctive array of traditional agricultural heritage resources covering diverse aspects like diet, labor practices, and attire. Seizing the opportunities for contemporary development entails a thorough exploration of the economic value embedded in the agricultural heritage of ethnic minorities in Heilongjiang Province. This involves effectively integrating the economic elements intrinsic to culture into the cultural industry, facilitating the transition from 'cultural influence' to 'economic influence.' Such efforts contribute to the innovative development of the agricultural cultural industry in Heilongjiang Province, elevate the influence of agricultural culture, and propel the vibrant growth of the agricultural economy in the region.

3.2 Enhancing the integration of the agricultural heritage industry, promoting the diversified layout of agricultural heritage industries

A diversified industrial layout is a crucial managerial strategy aimed at broadening the depth of the core business and establishing a comprehensive industrial chain spanning raw material production, manufacturing, sales, and other key links. This approach not only expands the breadth and depth of traditional industries but also facilitates integration with other industries, thereby extending the scope of industrial operations and enhancing profitability.
Agriculture serves as the foundation for any other industry, with all other industries evolving based on agricultural pursuits. These industries should maintain close ties with agriculture, encompassing facets such as agricultural sightseeing, food processing, and the hospitality sector catering to agro-tourism (Zhang and He, 2021). The agricultural heritage of ethnic minorities in Heilongjiang Province boasts distinctive features and rich connotations. The “fishing culture” of the Hezhen and the “Gulun Muda Festival” of the Oroqen can significantly contribute to the cultural, culinary, and tourism industry. Leveraging the unique characteristics of the agricultural heritage of ethnic minorities in Heilongjiang Province, it is crucial to clarify the competitiveness and applicability of agricultural heritage and products across diverse ethnic groups. Creatively exploring paths for multi-industry integration and viable operational modes not only comprehensively expands the economic reach of agricultural heritage but also robustly drives the processing and trade of agricultural products, realizing the multifaceted economic value of agricultural heritage.

3.3 Encouraging entrepreneurship in hometowns for talent revitalization and rural development

The aim of creatively transforming agricultural heritage is to realize its contemporary value. Notably, the realization of economic value directly impacts the entrepreneurial enthusiasm of young individuals returning to their hometowns, while the attainment of spiritual value provides intellectual support for the burgeoning entrepreneurial teams engaged in developing the agricultural heritage industry. Economic and spiritual values, mutually interdependent, collaboratively drive a virtuous circle in promoting regional economic development, thereby contributing to talent and rural revitalization. The agricultural heritage of ethnic minorities in Heilongjiang Province possesses distinct regional characteristics and folk customs, housing abundant cultural and industrial resources. Currently, guided by national policies and supported by governments at various levels, many young individuals passionate about rural culture have actively engaged in inheriting, exploring, and developing these cultural heritages. The creative transformation of agricultural heritage in Heilongjiang Province, with cultural heritage as its primary content and medium, has the capacity to attract a substantial number of practitioners, forming a virtuous circle and providing talent support for rural revitalization.

3.4 Fostering ecological consciousness: Advocating for harmonious coexistence between humanity and nature

The agricultural heritage of ethnic minorities in Heilongjiang Province encompasses various industries such as agriculture, forestry, and fishery. It represents a significant sector where people directly engage with nature to obtain essential living materials. This heritage involves incredibly rich natural resources, including soil, water, vegetation, aquaculture, aquatic products, and crops. Over time, people have consistently recognized, developed, mastered, and utilized the fundamental characteristics of these natural resources to create, enhance, and sustain life. In the process of establishing a systematic relationship with each natural resource, spiritual concepts such as caring for nature, adapting to nature, and respecting nature have emerged. These concepts reflect the harmonious coexistence between humanity and nature, showcasing the profound connection between the agricultural heritage of ethnic minorities in Heilongjiang Province and the natural environment.
Due to different ways of life and inherent natural resource variations, the agricultural heritage of ethnic minorities in Heilongjiang Province carries a wealth of cultural spirits with distinctive regional characteristics. Take the Hezhe ethnic group, for example, which has traditionally sustained itself through fishing. One unique production method is the winter fishing for cold-water fish beneath the two-meter-thick ice layer around the time of ‘Heavy Snow’ each winter. Rituals, ice cutting, ice clearing, and net collection during these frigid winter activities reflect the Hezhe people’s profound understanding, adaptation, and utilization of nature’s wisdom for survival. Practices such as releasing small fish and leisurely summer fishing embody the Hezhe people’s spiritual commitment to harmonious coexistence with nature. By critically inheriting the cultural spirit of the agricultural heritage of ethnic minorities in Heilongjiang Province, distilling its essence, and creatively transforming it in line with the developmental needs of the new era, we can elevate ecological awareness and enhance the harmonious symbiosis between humanity and nature.

4 Opportunities and challenges in the creative transformation of agricultural heritage among ethnic minorities in Heilongjiang

4.1 Opportunities in the creative transformation of agricultural heritage among ethnic minorities

The diverse measures of the rural revitalization strategy have infused enduring impetus into the creative transformation of the agricultural heritage of ethnic minorities in Heilongjiang Province. These initiatives not only offer policy support for the qualitative enhancement of agricultural heritage capacity but also bring forth new opportunities to invigorate the vitality of the agricultural heritage of ethnic minorities in Heilongjiang Province.

4.1.1 Harnessing the momentum: Rural revitalization and the exploration of agricultural heritage

The agricultural heritage of ethnic minorities in Heilongjiang Province has been preserved to the greatest extent during the rural revitalization, fully showcasing cultural, social, and economic values. The transformation of the “cultural power” of agricultural heritage into “economic power” has made significant progress through initiatives such as attracting investments, upgrading rural industries, and developing refined business models like “one township, one industry” and “one village, one product”. The cognition of the agricultural heritage of ethnic minorities in Heilongjiang Province has evolved from being a protected and endangered agricultural heritage to becoming a vital tool for promoting ethnic minorities' agricultural heritage and contributing to industrial development. The integration of rural industries into the broad development pattern of the urban and rural industrial system has activated critical resources such as manpower, land, and capital. The extensive participation of enterprises not only drives the development of agricultural and cultural industries but also deepens the introduction, cultivation, and mobility of related talents. In the favorable situation of industrial development and the gathering of talents, the picturesque countryside, conducive to living and working, becomes a hub for wisdom and talent. Rural revitalization provides strong momentum for the exploration and utilization of agricultural heritage.

4.1.2 Energizing agricultural heritage: Rural revitalization as a catalyst for cultural industry development

The implementation of the rural revitalization strategy has illuminated unprecedented prospects for the cultural and industrial values of agricultural cultural heritage in Heilongjiang Province. As the process of rural revitalization unfolds, there is a heightened focus on the protection of agricultural cultural heritage, providing people with a clearer understanding of the multifaceted attributes and contemporary significance of exceptional agricultural heritage legacies. This heightened awareness has fostered increased participation from diverse entities, including the government, social organizations, business groups, cultural volunteers, and new media, effectively channeling more resources into the exploration and utilization of agricultural heritage. The unique outward expressions of the agricultural heritage of ethnic minorities in Heilongjiang Province, such as fish skin clothing and Cuoluozi (A conical house of ethnic groups such as Oroqen, Ewenki, Hezhe, etc.), have evolved into iconic products, representing the cultural identity of Heilongjiang Province. They contribute to the robust internal strength and creativity of agricultural cultural industry development, enhancing the cultural imprint with distinctive characteristics in Heilongjiang Province’s agricultural landscape.

4.1.3 Cultivating synergy: Rural revitalization as a driving force for agricultural heritage and cultural industry development

Rural revitalization, grounded in the “five in one” strategy, serves as a catalyst for the upgrading of the agricultural heritage industry. The revitalization of rural industries and culture is interdependent and serves as the foundation for enhancing the industries of agricultural heritage. Agricultural heritage is the bedrock of the cultural industry, and the development of the agricultural heritage industry acts as the driving force behind creative transformation. The inheritance and innovation of traditions empower traditional cultural resources to play a supportive role in the fundamental structure of industrial development (Wang, 2022b). Heilongjiang Province has 53 ethnic minorities, with ten dwelling minorities, including the Hezhen, Ewenki, Oroqen, and Daur. Originating mainly from the Sanjiang Plain, formed by the convergence of the Xingan Mountains, Heilongjiang River, Songhua River, and Wusuli Rivers. Agricultural products, such as hazelnuts, mushrooms, small berries, and various forest products, alongside aquatic products embody distinct regional features of agricultural heritage. The output of agriculture, forestry, and fishery with strong regional characteristics constitutes a vital component of the basic materials for the production and livelihoods of ethnic minorities in Heilongjiang Province. These abundant outputs are seamlessly integrated into daily life, giving rise to cultural forms deeply rooted in the spirit of the ethnic minorities, such as “Birch Culture” and “Fishing Culture”. The creative transformation of these cultural forms not only reinvigorates the vitality of agricultural heritage, encompassing elements like birch sap, birch skin products, fish appreciation, and fish tasting but also amplifies the positive attributes of agricultural heritage, highlighting its market value. By fostering cultural brands and enhancing the market adaptability of cultural products, the creative transformation of the agricultural heritage of ethnic minorities in Heilongjiang Province is facilitated through the optimal utilization of human, material, and financial resources. Simultaneously, this approach propels the continued protection, inheritance, exploration, and utilization of agricultural heritage, fostering a virtuous cycle of mutually reinforcing cultural and economic development. Throughout the implementation of the rural revitalization strategy, the rich agricultural heritage of ethnic minorities in Heilongjiang Province has undergone innovative development, aligning with the social and economic attributes of the industry of agricultural heritage. The agricultural heritage industry of ethnic minorities has garnered widespread recognition and dissemination alongside the development of agricultural heritage. The execution of the rural strategy has provided robust support for the excavation and utilization of the agricultural heritage of ethnic minorities and the concurrent development of the cultural industry in Heilongjiang Province.

4.2 Challenges in creatively transforming agricultural heritage of ethnic minorities

Since the full implementation of the rural revitalization strategy, ethnic minorities in Heilongjiang Province have seized historical opportunities, leveraging their rich ethnic, agricultural, and cultural resources. They have been proactive and experienced robust development, particularly in integrating agricultural intangible cultural heritage into rural tourism and the agricultural handicraft industries. Talents have emerged abundantly, and the momentum is strong. However, due to insufficient awareness among ethnic minority populations regarding the multifunctionality of their own agricultural heritage, the agricultural heritage industry has not experienced a breakthrough development. Consequently, leveraging the diverse attributes of the agricultural heritage of ethnic minorities in Heilongjiang Province to make it a crucial force for rural revitalization still faces numerous difficulties and challenges.

4.2.1 Shortage of talent and funding in exploring ethnic minority agricultural heritage

During the diachronic development, certain ethnic minorities in Heilongjiang Province, particularly those residing in specific regions, have not developed their own writing systems. This absence hinders the transmission of the agricultural heritage of these ethnic minorities through visual texts, inevitably resulting in the loss of cultural resources and connotation. Agricultural heritage has emerged as a primary means for these ethnic minorities to preserve their culture, passed down through the generations in the form of oral traditions. Presently, exploration of the agricultural heritage of these ethnic minorities relies on remnants of material culture and the integration of intangible cultural heritage into daily production life. Although some influential agricultural heritages of ethnic minorities have been effectively protected and developed with the assistance of new technologies and various channels, the establishment of agricultural heritage clusters using visual and auditory senses is limited. Obtaining a significant number of agricultural heritage resources and clarifying cultural characteristics through these means proves challenging. Hence, it is of great importance to creatively transform the agricultural heritage of ethnic minorities in Heilongjiang Province by leveraging the remarkable achievements of the “Chinese Language Resources Protection Project” initiated by the Ministry of Education of the People’s Republic of China and the State Language Commission in 2015 and conducting integrated multidisciplinary research. This approach involves utilizing the outcomes of the “Chinese Language Resources Protection Project” and employing multidisciplinary research methods to conduct comprehensive studies. It encompasses interdisciplinary collaboration and the integration and innovation of various forms of knowledge. Therefore, a precise allocation of scientific manpower and research funds is necessary. Currently, the manpower and financial resources invested in researching the effective exploration of the agricultural heritage of ethnic minorities in Heilongjiang Province remain notably limited.

4.2.2 Limited synergy in the development of agricultural heritage and industry among ethnic minorities

Synergistic development among industries plays a crucial role in advancing the optimization and upgrading of industrial structures, fostering innovative product development, and stimulating regional economic growth. Achieving synergistic development in the industry requires both external driving forces rooted in government policies and internal self-generating forces based on industrial culture and creativity. In the comprehensive promotion of the rural revitalization strategy, Heilongjiang Province faces relative weaknesses in the synergistic development of agricultural heritage and industry on two fronts: Firstly, there is a lack of effective integration and direct mutual promotion between the spiritual and economic values of agricultural heritage in ethnic minorities. Secondly, there is a dearth of large-scale agricultural heritage industries acting as robust driving forces. Due to limited exploration of the agricultural heritage of each ethnic minority in Heilongjiang Province, a comprehensive system with a clear structure has not been established, and the direct economic impact of agricultural heritage on industries such as health tourism and farmhouse entertainment has not been emphasized. It is imperative to inject a powerful impetus into the development of ethnic minorities’ agricultural heritage and the agricultural heritage industry in Heilongjiang Province.

4.2.3 The level of integration between agricultural heritage and the corresponding industry is relatively low

The agricultural heritage of ethnic minorities in Heilongjiang Province represents a distinctive traditional agricultural heritage cultivated on the rich black soil. To revolutionize the traditional agricultural heritage industry and establish new focal points for the development of agricultural heritage, it is essential to integrate agricultural heritage with its industry. Currently, there is limited progress in excavating the agricultural heritage of ethnic minorities in Heilongjiang Province. Despite the widespread recognition of the role of agricultural heritage in enhancing industrial value and strengthening the resilience of the agricultural heritage industry, it is still in a nascent stage with insufficient creativity. For instance, Jiayin County, under the jurisdiction of Yichun City, is the main habitat of the Oroqen people and boasts a wealth of agricultural heritage. It serves as a primary production area for distinctive agricultural products like birch juice, blueberries, and indigo fruit, offering vast potential for development in the tertiary sector, including cultural tourism, ethnic minority craft processing, and folk customs exhibitions. Strengthening the exploration and development of the relationship between ethnic minorities’ agricultural heritage and corresponding products is bound to enhance the added value of the agricultural heritage products with local specialties. The agricultural heritage of ethnic minorities in Heilongjiang Province needs active integration into the development of the agricultural heritage industry to establish a mutually reinforcing connection between agricultural heritage and its industry.

5 Strategies for creatively transforming the agricultural heritage among ethnic minorities in Heilongjiang

The ethnic minorities in Heilongjiang Province possess a distinctive and abundant agricultural heritage rooted in their extensive history of production and life. This uniqueness positions the ethnic minorities in Heilongjiang Province to excel on the path of rural revitalization. Achieving the creative transformation of agricultural heritage requires a comprehensive understanding and utilization of the diverse attributes and values inherent in the agricultural heritage among these ethnic minorities. This approach stands as the key to advancing the rural revitalization strategy and fostering the modernization of agriculture and rural development in Heilongjiang Province.

5.1 Synergizing the creative transformation of agricultural heritage among ethnic minorities through integrated multidisciplinary approaches

The creative transformation of the agricultural heritage of ethnic minorities in Heilongjiang Province and the realization of the contemporary value of this heritage requires concerted efforts and collaboration. First, agricultural heritage is an indigenous folk culture widely dispersed in rural society, characterized by diversity, dispersion, and folk features, necessitating an external process of integration, screening, selection, and processing. This process cannot be solely accomplished by the farmers who have inherited the agricultural heritage. Therefore, for the protection of agricultural heritage and the development of its industry, the government must assume the responsibility of providing guidance and financial support (Cao, 2012). Governments at all levels in Heilongjiang Province should fully comprehend the practical impact of agricultural heritage among ethnic minorities in promoting rural revitalization. They should actively fulfill their functional roles, guide relevant sectors in agriculture, rural development, education, culture, and tourism to implement specific initiatives and regulate the progress and policies related to the excavation of agricultural heritage among ethnic minorities. This is to ensure the solid and orderly promotion of the excavation of both spiritual and industrial values of the agricultural heritage of ethnic minorities. The second aspect involves utilizing multiple research methods to explore the evolutionary path of agricultural heritage among ethnic minorities. For instance, employing subjective and objective research methods, such as fieldwork methodology, to investigate the representative agricultural heritage of ethnic groups like the Hezhen and Oroqen. This comprehensive sorting and exploration should cover historical origin, development differences, cultural values embedded in ancient villages, and the rich industrial value contained in cultural elements, all obtained through on-the-spot investigation and empirical analysis. Additionally, digital humanistic technology can be utilized to discern internal differences in agricultural heritage, allowing research to delve deeper into text sorting, data mining, and knowledge linking, transcending from mere “retrieval” to “discovery”. Leveraging digital humanities technology, we can observe the diachronic developmental distribution of agricultural heritage among ethnic minorities in Heilongjiang Province, examine the intensity of various cultural elements in different periods and regions, organize the composition of agricultural heritage, and explore its developmental patterns. These efforts aim to enhance the agricultural heritage system among ethnic minorities in Heilongjiang Province.

5.2 Facilitate the development of agricultural and cultural industries of ethnic minorities in multiple ways

As a profit-driven sector, the cultural industry is inevitably moving toward economies of scale (Li, 2018). The intrinsic power of agricultural heritage and the competitiveness of the cultural industry mutually reinforce each other. To explore and leverage the value of cultural industry, it is crucial to fully grasp the distinctive role of agricultural heritage in shaping the cultural industry. Based on the actual status of diverse agricultural heritages, we need to objectively analyze the developmental trajectory of local cultural industries, harmonize the relationship between the regional functions of various agricultural heritages, and the regional economic benefits. Keep pace with the evolving trends in the cultural industry, actively explore paths suitable for leveraging the economic benefits and brand influence of agricultural heritage, extend the chain of cultural industry, and propel the creative transformation of the agricultural heritage of ethnic minorities.
For instance, the integration of Hezhe’s distinctive fish skin handicraft products with the demands of modern life entails expanding the innovation and practicality of Hezhe fish skin craft. This approach emphasizes the features of traditional fishing and hunting culture, providing fish skin products with versatile applications. The second aspect involves extensively exploring the spiritual power embedded in the agricultural heritage of the ethnic minorities, consequently propelling the growth of the tourism and health industry. Cultural added value signifies the value increase resulting from the fusion of cultural elements and various forms of carriers. This process shapes the distinctiveness of cultural products, not only satiating the cultural and spiritual enjoyment of consumers and aiding enterprises in constructing a unique cultural brand image but also advancing excellent traditional culture and disseminating positive cultural values (Ni et al., 2020). The spiritual value of culture furnishes spiritual and value-oriented guidance to the cultural industry throughout its developmental stages, thereby establishing cultural cohesion, productivity, and services for enhanced business value. The multifaceted nature of culture not only broadens the extensive pathway of cultural integration into the cultural industry but also forms a diverse and resilient industrial chain within the cultural sector. In tandem with the evolution of local agricultural tourism and health industries, the aim is to develop distinctive and advantageous Heilongjiang agricultural tourism and health sectors, leveraging the diverse nature of culture to become a robust spiritual landmark and industrial brand for the local tourism and recreation industry. The multifaceted promotion of the creative transformation of the agricultural heritage of ethnic minorities in Heilongjiang Province is poised to thrive in the cultural industry, effectively implementing the strategy of rural revitalization through the deep integration of culture and tourism.

5.3 Building a team to preserve agricultural heritage

To achieve the creative transformation of the agricultural heritage of ethnic minorities in Heilongjiang Province, it is crucial to focus on the pivotal role of cultural talents and the development of talent structures. Firstly, we need to harness the influence of local talents as “leading geese”, utilizing cultural charm as a driving force. Innovate mechanisms, organize diverse and rich cultivation activities, highlight the allure of ethnic minority agricultural heritage, and generate multiple social effects. Construct a highly targeted promotion platform for the preservation of ethnic minority agricultural heritage in Heilongjiang Province, aiming to tailor it to the talents of local individuals. Secondly, it is essential to broaden the knowledge structure of talents for agricultural heritage. The safeguarding and utilization of agricultural heritage are global concerns. Many countries actively participate in projects like the Globally Important Agricultural Heritage System (GIAHS), creating distinctive programs for the protection and utilization of agricultural heritage, yielding valuable resources and crucial references for the creative transformation of agricultural heritage. Enhance the international engagement of inheritors of minority agricultural heritage in Heilongjiang Province, contemplating the path of creative transformation within a global context. This approach allows for a more macroscopic exploration of the contemporary value of agricultural heritage and the positioning of prospects for the development of the agricultural heritage industry. Thirdly, mobilize the positive factors associated with the return of talented individuals. Leverage the advantage of the increasing industrial value trend of the agricultural heritage of ethnic minorities. Rural villages have experienced the impact of labor shortages due to the mobility and off-farm employment of rural residents in recent years, posing a threat to the sustainability of some Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems due to insufficient resource allocation (Liu et al., 2017). The construction of a talent team focused on inheriting the agricultural heritage of ethnic minorities in Heilongjiang Province provides intellectual support for the development of the agricultural heritage industry, fostering innovation and growth. Building on this foundation, the enrichment and extension of the chains for the agricultural heritage industry create ample space and a social platform for practitioners in the cultural industry. This transforms agricultural heritage practitioners into advocates and catalysts for rural cultural revitalization and the development of the cultural industry in Heilongjiang Province, attracting young individuals to return and forming a robust talent pool for the preservation and creative transformation of the agricultural heritage of ethnic minorities in Heilongjiang Province.

6 Conclusions

Adhering to the demands of the contemporary era, the creative transformation of Heilongjiang Province’s agricultural heritage is imperative. Activating its vitality and harnessing the unique value of agricultural heritage in daily life and production can infuse this cultural heritage with renewed vigor. Moreover, it actively fosters the seamless integration of agricultural heritage with various industries, fostering mutual promotion and collective development. To strengthen the consciousness of the Chinese nation community, particular emphasis should be placed on the distinctive agricultural heritage resources of Heilongjiang Province within the context of rural revitalization. Exploring the rich history of agricultural heritage holds positive significance in establishing a favorable cycle of intergenerational inheritance. This process contributes to the creation of distinctive and captivating chains of products within the agricultural heritage industry. This impetus facilitates the autonomous development of agricultural heritage products in Heilongjiang Province and the establishment of an economic region endowed with internal core strength and external radiating influence. This, in turn, aligns with the comprehensive promotion of the rural revitalization strategy.

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